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DoH: Include anti-dengue drive in ‘Brigada’
PALO, Leyte — The Department of Health regional office on Sunday appealed to school administrators, teachers, parents and other stakeholders involved in “Brigada Eskwela” to include in the clean-up drive all potential breeding grounds of mosquitoes that can infect school children with dengue. DoH regional information officer Jelyn Malibago said that while the general trend of dengue cases in Eastern Visayas is already going down, there is a possibility that it may spike again when classes start if the breeding ground of mosquitoes are not eradicated. “This is the right time to practice search and destroy activities,” Malibago said, referring to the DoH campaign to look for places where mosquitoes breed such as stagnant water inside old bottles, basins, trash bins or old tires. “‘Brigada Eskwela’ is not only about repainting and beautifying the school but also cleaning the surroundings to ensure that schools remain a safe place for the school children,” Malibago said. “The “Brigada Eskwela” is an annual program that engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, efforts, and resources in ensuring that public schools are all set in time for class opening. Data from the DoH-8 Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed a total of 2,139 dengue cases have been reported in Eastern Visayas from 1 January to 5 August this year with eight deaths. This number of cases is lower by 45 percent compared to 3,905 cases reported over the same period in 2022. Leyte recorded the most with 862 cases or 40 percent of the total. Over half of these cases were children of school age. The post DoH: Include anti-dengue drive in ‘Brigada’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go continues efforts to improve public service delivery
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains committed to supporting economic recovery and bolstering the healthcare system in various communities. Being an adopted son of Zambales, he continues to help improve public service delivery in the province. In a speech during his visit to Olongapo City, Zambales, on Saturday, 19 August, Go reiterated his dedication to providing immediate aid to communities in need especially the poor. “Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Parati naming naririnig ‘salamat Senator Bong Go, salamat (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte sa mga tulong.' Sa totoo lang po, kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil kami po’y mga probinsyano na binigyan n’yo po ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat,” Go said. “Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yung pagkakataong ibinigay ninyo sa akin, magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. Wala po akong piling oras, Lunes hanggang Linggo, umaga hanggang gabi magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he added. Go and his team distributed grocery packs, vitamins, masks, and snacks to 2,000 struggling residents, composed of persons with disabilities, solo parents, and transport workers, at the Rizal Triangle Multipurpose Center. The senator likewise gave away bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, watches, shirts, and basketball and volleyball balls. Meanwhile, financial support was also extended by the DSWD to assessed beneficiaries. The relief operation was in partnership with the Olongapo City local government, in coordination with Congressman Jay Khonghun and Mayor Rolen Paulino, Jr. “Ang tawag po sa kanya ay Mr. Malasakit. Alam niyo kung bakit? Kasi po yung puso niya (ay may malasakit), malapit sa tao si Senator Bong Go. At maliban po diyan, siya ang nagsulong ng mga Malasakit Centers… At gusto ko lang din ipaalam sa inyo na si Senator Bong Go po ay matagal na niya akong tinutulungan upang magkaroon tayo ng Malasakit Center dito sa hospital natin,” Paulino said in his speech, referring to ongoing efforts to establish a Malasakit Center in Olongapo in coordination with DOH. “Thank you very much po. Napakalaking tulong po ng ginagawa niyo sa amin… Siya po yung nagiging susi para marami pa tayong matulungan. Ang totoo po diyan, ang tinutulungan niya po ay hindi lang Olongapo, buong Zambales ang natutulungan ninyo,” Mayor Paulino continued. To further help alleviate the burden of poor and indigent patients, Go maintained his support for the continued operations of Malasakit Centers nationwide, including the one at President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba town. Initiated in 2018 and institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go in 2019, these centers serve as a vital bridge between the government and the people, offering streamlined access to medical assistance programs from concerned agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Currently, there are 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide and, according to DOH, these centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide. “Ang Malasakit Center po is a one stop shop. Nasa loob na po ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD na handang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan. ‘Yan po ang Malasakit Center, batas ‘yan na isinulong ko noon, pinirmahan ni dating Pangulong Duterte. One stop shop po ‘yan, lapitan n’yo lang po, para po ‘yan sa poor and indigent patients,” said Go in an interview after the event. Go's vision for a stronger healthcare sector continues through his advocacy for the establishment of more Super Health Centers (SHCs). Recognizing the importance of accessible healthcare services, especially after experiencing a global health crisis, Go has championed the cause of establishing these centers to provide primary care, early detection of diseases, and needed medical consultations to a broader range of citizens. Go cited that necessary funds have been allocated last year for DOH to construct SHCs in Iba, Botolan, and Castillejos, while another center will be established in Castillejos under the 2023 budget. The SHCs are medium versions of polyclinics and are bigger than rural health units, which offer basic services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services 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. “Ang ikinaganda po nito, (pwede na) diyan na po magpapakonsulta. It will help decongest the hospital. Importante ang early detection ng sakit para hindi na lumala at hindi na kailangan dalahin sa ospital. Magpakonsulta po kayo sa Super Health Center para mabigyan kayo agad ng primary care,” Go encouraged. Through Resolution No. 205 dated 8 August 2022, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zambales pronounced Go as its adopted son, noting that the senator has "embodied the spirit of good governance and public service" by exerting great efforts to help the whole province. To ensure the progress of the city, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the road rehabilitation along Elicano Street East Bajac-Bajac and the improvement of drainage canals in Barangay Barretto. On the same day, Go was in Subic where he was the guest speaker during the commencement exercise of Kolehiyo ng Subic, Class Matalaghay 2023. The post Bong Go continues efforts to improve public service delivery appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manhattan of Pasay City (5)
Had it not been for the intrepidity and foresight of Ferdinand Magellan and Christopher Columbus, who defied the myth of a flat earth, we might not have been discovered and America would have remained hidden behind the fog and fear of navigators falling into the void with their ships when they reached the edge of the Atlantic. Similarly, if we allow ourselves to be deterred by critics that reclamations cause floods and uglify our bay, then we shall be killing one brilliant idea from the Dutch, and in the process diminish the strength of our total effort to pursue our once-in-a-million-year chance to make our country the richest, the greatest and the most beautiful in the world. The momentum for growth and economic gain has been increasing in the area of infrastructure and reclamation. Manhattan of Pasay City will continue until we have accorded very humble personalities who conceived of and brought world-class projects to reality, for the Filipino people and the whole world to behold forever. The current drive was originally inspired by the iconic San Juanico Bridge, buildings, structures and thousands of kilometers of roads and bridges borne out of the creative mind of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. He was followed by President Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In the area of land reclamation, one name runs foremost in the Philippines, the humble and hardworking Mayor Duay Calixto, whose prophetic vision turned Pasay City’s 52-hectare reclaimed land into the home of the Mall of Asia, the fifth among the five largest malls in the world. Some of the games of the FIBA World Cup, from 25 August to 10 September, will be played in the Mall of Asia. Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III of Bataan said President Marcos Jr. and his late father will be long remembered as the builders of the longest bridges. The 32-kilometer Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, or BCIB, is a one-of-a-kind structure that will give new hope and more progress to all Filipinos. If President Marcos Sr. built the two-kilometer San Juanico Bridge that connects Samar and Leyte provinces in 1972 and is considered the longest bridge in the country; if he built the longest bridge in the Visayas then — 50 years later during the regime of his son “Bongbong,” the Bataan-Cavite bridge that will cross Manila Bay is poised to become the longest bridge in the country. Marcos Jr. led on 31 March a milestone ceremony for the BCIB project. The five-year construction of the BCIB will start during the first semester of 2024. Travel time by land from Bataan to Cavite is five hours, by the Bataan to Cavite Interlink Bridge, the trip would take only 45 minutes. And as the passengers pass over the scenic view over Manila Bay, one will be awed by the breathtaking beauty as the vehicle passes Manhattan of Pasay City. The ERC contractor Netherlands–based Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V., a leading global dredging contractor and marine service provider hired by the City of Pasay, would certainly establish the necessary linkages to ensure connectivity and continuity for the pleasure and convenience of foreign and local tourists. An exit route can be provided and linkages straight to a cozy room in the tall buildings that look like the iconic towers of New York City in Manila Bay; a limousine ride to the Mall of Asia where foreign visitors can get a feel for how the Filipinos have intimately embraced the culture of mall life during their free time. The post Manhattan of Pasay City (5) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go bats for firefighters’ welfare
As a show of support for the country’s firefighting community, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the graduation ceremony of the Fire Senior Leadership Course Class “Tagapangasiwa” 2023-15 at SMX Lanang in Davao City on Saturday, 12 August. In his speech, Go commended the graduates for their dedication to the service of the nation, often putting their lives at risk to save others. He also highlighted that the ceremony is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the graduating firefighters. “As a firefighter you (have) already dedicated your life to serving and protecting our communities. This plays unwavering courage and commitment to the face of adversity. Your dedication honing your skills and knowledge in fire service leadership is truly commendable. I take this opportunity to emphasize that your hardwork and dedication do not go unnoticed,” Go said. The post Go bats for firefighters’ welfare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MPTC, SMC forges historic P72-B toll road deal
Two industry powerhouses—Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. or MPTC and San Miguel Corp. or SMC—are set to jointly develop two toll road projects with a combined cost of P72 billion that would further ease mobility in Southern Luzon. The companies signed a Memorandum of Agreement last Monday, 14 August, where they formalized their bid to design, build and operate the 87.96-kilometer Cavite-Batangas Expressway or CBEX and Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway or NBEX. According to SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, the partnership is a “historic collaboration” that will deliver world-class road networks for Filipinos. “This collaboration stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we are united in purpose,” Ang said. Meanwhile, MPTC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said: “Together with SMC, we envisage a future where our CBEX and NBEX can help pave the way for connectivity and economic growth in the CALABARZON region.” The CBEX is a 27.06-kilometer road that will establish a crucial link connecting CALAX’s Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Batangas, Meanwhile, the 60.90-kilometer NBEX will provide seamless connectivity from Nasugbu to Bauan, Batangas. The route will traverse the townships of Silang, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Indang, Mendez, and Alfonso in Cavite before crossing into Nasugbu and finally reaching Bauan, Batangas. The groundbreaking of CBEX is scheduled for 2024, while NBEX is likely to be complete and open to the motoring public by 2027. In 2018, MPTC presented a proposal for the 50.4-kilometer Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway project to the Department of Public Works and Highways and was granted the original proponent status. Similarly, SMC's unsolicited proposal for the CBEX and NBEX was approved by the Cavite and Batangas government. Both projects share the common goal of connecting the provinces of Cavite and Batangas through Tagaytay City and MPTC and SMC have come together as partners in this significant venture. The post MPTC, SMC forges historic P72-B toll road deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go advocates for welfare and advancement of firefighters
As a show of support for the country's firefighting community, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go attended the graduation ceremony of the Fire Senior Leadership Course Class "Tagapangasiwa" 2023-15 at SMX Lanang in Davao City on Saturday, 12 August. In his speech, Go commended the graduates for their dedication to the service of the nation, often putting their lives at risk to save others. He also highlighted that the ceremony is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the graduating firefighters. “As a firefighter you (have) already dedicated your life to serving and protecting our communities. This plays unwavering courage and commitment to the face of adversity. Your dedication honing your skills and knowledge in fire service leadership is truly commendable. I take this opportunity to emphasize that your hardwork and dedication do not go unnoticed,” said Go. The said course is a rigorous training program designed to develop leadership skills among fire officers. “Ako naman sa abot ng aking makakaya tinutulungan ko talaga sila. At kayo rin po, bilang unang responders doon sa lugar, salamat po sa inyong pagsakripisyo, ‘yung iba sa inyo nasasaktan, namamatay kapag pumapasok. Nasa panganib talaga ang inyong trabaho. So salamat sa inyo at ako ay handang tumulong sa inyo sa abot rin ng aking makakaya,” Go said. Go seized the opportunity to highlight his efforts for the advancement and modernization of the country’s fire bureau. Republic Act 11589, a legislation he authored and co-sponsored, aims to modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The law ensures the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, enhancement of training programs, and establishment of efficient communication systems for seamless coordination during emergencies. “Recognizing the need to equip our fire fighters, we better modernize tools and technology. As the principal author of the law, it is my firm belief that investing in the modernization initiatives enhances the safety of both our fire fighters in the communities they serve,” Go cited. To show his genuine appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the graduates, Go presented tokens of recognition to the 83 graduates. The post Bong Go advocates for welfare and advancement of firefighters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lebanon freezes former central bank chief’s bank accounts
Lebanon ordered the freezing of the bank accounts of its embattled former central bank governor on Monday, days after the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada slapped him with sanctions. Former governor Riad Salameh, 73, who left his post of 30 years at the end of last month without a successor, is widely viewed as a key culprit in the country's dramatic economic crash. The central bank's special investigation committee has ordered the lifting of banking secrecy as well as the freezing of accounts "that are directly or indirectly" linked to Salameh, it said in a statement. The same decision measures were applied to Salameh's son Nady, his brother Raja, his former assistant Marianne Hoayek and his former partner Anna Kosakova. On 10 August, the US Canada and Britain announced sanctions against Salameh, his brother Raja, and Hoayek, while Washington and London also included his former partner Kosakova in their lists. In addition, the US sanctioned his son Nady Salameh. Salameh is wanted in France and Germany, and Interpol has issued a Red Notice for his arrest, but Lebanon does not extradite its nationals. Lebanon's deeply divided political class has failed to agree on a permanent replacement for Salameh, creating another power vacuum in a country that also has no president and is ruled by a caretaker government. The central bank's first vice-governor, Wassim Manssouri, has temporarily picked up the reins. A preliminary forensic audit of Lebanon's central bank by professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) has painted a damning picture of the institution under Salameh. The post Lebanon freezes former central bank chief’s bank accounts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hollywood’s video game craze takes meta turn with ‘Gran Turismo’
Ever since the huge successes of "The Super Mario Bros Movie," "Uncharted" and "The Last Of Us," films and TV shows adapted from video games have been all the rage in Hollywood. But when Neill Blomkamp received a call from Sony asking if he wanted to direct a movie based around its super-serious, hyper-realistic racing game series "Gran Turismo," he was initially confused. "I almost wanted to read the screenplay just to understand what they were talking about, because it just made no sense to me," he told AFP. "Obviously, it's just a racing simulator." Indeed, the "Gran Turismo" games have no characters like Italian plumbers or fungus-crazed zombies who would lend themselves to a straightforward Hollywood film adaptation. As a result, the movie's script -- penned by the writer of "King Richard" and "Creed III" -- took an entirely different and very meta approach. It is largely based instead on a marketing stunt, back in 2008, when Sony and Nissan launched a competition in which top "Gran Turismo" video gamers could test their skills on actual racetracks. The GT Academy took PlayStation gamers out from their bedrooms, and put them behind real racecar wheels. Each year's champion was then given a chance to race against professional drivers on world-famous tracks including Silverstone and Le Mans. One of those, Jann Mardenborough -- a working-class teen from Darlington, England, who was one of the first GT Academy gamers to successfully compete in real racing -- is the subject of the movie. "I was so struck by this approach of it being a biography, but also being a video game film," said Blomkamp, who previously directed "District 9" and "Elysium." "And that the video game would be an element inside that real world -- the way that 'Gran Turismo' exists in our world." Emotional heft Reviews for the movie have been mixed, with the Guardian dubbing it an "ode to product placement." But others praised the film's surprising emotional heft -- not least its treatment of a fatal accident involving Mardenborough. At Germany's famous Nurburgring circuit in 2015, Mardenborough's car flipped vertically into the air and crashed through a fence, killing one spectator and injuring several more. Mardenborough was cleared of any blame for the freak accident -- although the movie suggests that racing purists who disliked his gamer background continued to whisper otherwise. Particularly with the real Mardenborough acting as stunt double for his own character in the film, the tragic incident had to be tackled with care. "You can't tell his story without having that in it. It's such an integral part of his journey," said Blomkamp. But the crash is also "super sensitive for Jann," admitted Blomkamp. While the real Mardenborough performed other driving stunts throughout the movie, the decision was taken to recreate the fatal crash with "effectively 100 percent digital" technology. In part that was because the crash itself was so infamous and unusual, with the car going vertically airborne as it soared over a steeply undulating hill. "We tried to match what the car did, basically pixel perfect, from the video footage that we could find," said Blomkamp. Of course, using computer-generated visual effects (VFX) for that particular scene meant "there was no requirement for stunts at all." Strikes and hype Another obstacle for the movie has been Hollywood's ongoing strikes. The walkout, over actors' and writers' pay and other conditions, bars its stars such as Orlando Bloom, David Harbour and Archie Madekwe from promoting the film at the usual swanky premieres and junkets. Sony took the unusual decision to delay the film's release in theaters, from this Friday to August 25, and offered early sneak previews to fans until then, in the hope of building word-of-mouth hype. "The stars can't promote the movie, but the audience can," said a Sony spokesperson. The post Hollywood’s video game craze takes meta turn with ‘Gran Turismo’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DepEd kicks off enrollment
The Department of Education on Monday launched the enrollment for school year 2023-2024, expecting around 28.8 million students to be enrolled for the upcoming school year. However, DepEd spokesperson Undersecretary Michael Poa stressed that these figures are just based on assumption. To recall, a total of 28.4 million students enrolled in both public and private schools nationwide in the last school year. “This is an assumption, not a target, because our growth rate is around 1.7 percent per year, so that’s the additional enrollees we can get. So, if we look at that, at least our planning service is saying around 28.8 million learners are expected to be enrolled this year,” Poa said in a press briefing during the kick-off of this year’s Brigada Eskwela at Tarlac National High School in San Roque, Tarlac province on Monday. “So, we will see during the enrollment period if we could reach the 28.8 million enrollees,” he added. The DepEd scheduled the enrollment period for the upcoming school year from 7 to 26 August and Poa said that the Education department has recently issued an order reiterating and adopting last year’s enrollment guidelines. The DepEd has three modalities in enrolling school children — in-person, online and through drop boxes in barangay halls or schools. “We will just continue what we did last year,” Poa said. The DepEd earlier said that the opening of classes for the upcoming school year in all public schools nationwide will be on 29 August. Meantime, the Philippine National Police has expressed its readiness for the school opening on 29 August. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that all units were ordered to strengthen dialogues with school officials for security measures against crimes and acts of violence. She added the PNP has also released the operational guidelines of Oplan Back to School 2023 for the school year 2023-2024. “The operational guidelines have been sent to the line units and we have given directives to our line units that this early they should contact the schools that are close to them and within their respective jurisdiction to also get their suggestions and inputs to further improve our security measures at the opening of the class and of course for the whole duration of the school year,” Fajardo said. The post DepEd kicks off enrollment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Use of NLEX-SLEX connector, free no more starting 8 Aug.
Plying section 1 of the North Luzon Expressway South Luzon Expressway connector road project is no longer free as motorists will have to pay toll fees starting 8 August. This after the Toll Regulatory Board or TRB has authorized NLEX Corporation to collect toll fees at the five-kilometer connector road from C3-Road/5th Avenue in Caloocan to España. “Section 1 was opened to the motoring public on 29 March 2023, without toll fee collection. Currently, around 14,000 motorists are using this new toll road daily enjoying a faster travel time of only around 5 minutes from the usual 30 minutes or more using the old routes,” the Department of Transportation or DoTr said in a statement. The toll fees are as follows: P86 for class 1 vehicles; P215 for class 2 vehicles; and P302 for class 3 vehicles. The statement added: “This new toll road will be the first to implement a 24/7 barrier-free electronic toll collection system. Motorists just need to slow down for safety but need not stop at the toll plaza, resulting in faster and more convenient travel.” The TRB approved the new toll fees after a “thorough review and compliance with the publication and posting of a surety bond requirement” by its concession agreement with the NLEX Corporation. Section 2 of the road project stretches to about 3 kilometers from España to the Skyway Stage 3. The DoTr said a portion of Section 2 from España to Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard is expected to be completed within the 4th quarter of this year. The post Use of NLEX-SLEX connector, free no more starting 8 Aug. appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kai’s last chance
Up to now, Kai Sotto’s stint in the FIBA Basketball World Cup remains unclear. Sure, he has been in the country for over two weeks and has been attending some Gilas Pilipinas events, but the fact that he has yet to actually train with his teammates is making Chot Reyes anxious. Sotto is tipped to play a crucial role in the Gilas squad. His 7-foot-3 frame, athleticism and feathery shooting touch from the perimeter will be needed when the Filipinos battle the best players in the world in the prestigious basketball spectacle from 25 August to 10 September. But it will be impossible for Reyes to involve Sotto in his game plan if he has yet to actually see him banging bodies with his fellow big men like World Cup veterans June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, as well as rising star AJ Edu. It is no secret that Sotto’s dream is to make it to the National Basketball Association. He was still a gangly kid when he started joining the Junior NBA program before moving to Ateneo de Manila University and eventually donning the national colors in various age-group events — the biggest and most prestigious was the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Greece. A lot of offers came his way, including a chance to play for prestigious European clubs like Alba Berlin, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Baskonia, but Sotto, then 17, decided to bring his talent to the United States — not to enter play at the collegiate level — but to make a daring leap straight into the NBA. After training at The Skill Factory, he joined Team Ignite, a developmental team in the NBA G League that aims to prepare athletes for the NBA. At Team Ignite, Sotto showed some promise as he played for former Los Angeles Lakers coach Brian Shaw together with future NBA players Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Daishen Nix, and Isiah Todd. But when Team Ignite was about to start its season and enter the G League bubble in Orlando, Sotto shockingly flew home and joined Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Ignite eventually dropped Sotto, prompting him to look for other ways to realize his dream of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to make it to the NBA. He found one in Australia. He played for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League and had some measure of success. In fact, he was able to gauge his prowess when the 36ers played against Chris Paul, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns in an NBA preseason match. After a couple of seasons in Australia, he moved to Japan to play for the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the B League. He had some impressive games, but it wasn’t enough to earn the attention of NBA coaches, scouts, and talent evaluators. Still, he joined the NBA Summer League. Playing against veteran free agents, journeymen, and incoming rookies looking to earn spots on the opening-day rosters of NBA teams, Sotto rode the Orlando Magic bench in their first three games before making his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, recording six points, four rebounds and three blocks in their 71-88 loss. Sotto tried to play in his fifth game, but he was slowed down by a back injury. His return to Manila was surrounded by controversy as he failed to join the Gilas squad that was set to go to China for the final leg of its preparations for the World Cup. He opted to stay home to “rest and recover” from his back injury. Until when? It’s something that only Sotto and his American handlers know. But Sotto should realize that the doors of the NBA are slowly closing on him. He already made a bad decision by snubbing the invitations of top European clubs as well as prestigious American collegiate programs like Kentucky, Georgia Tech and Auburn that could have helped him develop his game and gain confidence while playing against kids his age. Instead of staying patient and working on his game away from the prying eyes of NBA scouts, he rushed the process by signing up with Team Ignite before committing another massive blunder of flying back to Manila just before the G League season tipped off. Now he has only one chance — the FIBA Basketball World Cup. A lot of Filipinos ranging from Johnny Abarrientos to Aguilar, Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks all tried — and failed — to make it to the NBA. On the contrary, Sotto is being presented with a rare opportunity to display his talent and carry the torch in a world-class event. Sadly, despite repeatedly saying that he is ready, his body language suggests that he is reluctant to step up to serve as the hero of this basketball-crazy nation. The clock is ticking for Sotto. The doors of the NBA are slowly closing right before his very eyes. He has to lace his sneakers, grab that Gilas jersey, and play his heart out for the country in the FIBA Basketball World Cup before he becomes another “what if” in the history of Philippine basketball. The post Kai’s last chance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Walang pasok: Class suspensions for August 3
Several local government units have declared a class suspension on August 3 in response to the continuous rains caused by the southwest monsoon or habagat......»»
Walang pasok: Class suspensions for August 2
Some local government units have announced class suspension on August 2, Wednesday, due to continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat)......»»
Walang pasok: Class, gov t work suspensions for August 1 due to Falcon
Classes and government offices in several provinces remain suspended on Tuesday due to Typhoon Falcon......»»
Wonder women
It’s been a special week for Filipina athletes. The Blu Girls made a strong run in the XVII Women’s Softball World Cup while the Filipinas posted a historic triumph in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Oft-ignored in a country that is crazy over basketball, boxing, and volleyball, the Filipina clouters opened their campaign with three straight losses to Canada, Japan and Venezuela before finally winning over New Zealand and Italy to gain a slight chance of barging into the final round. But in a battle of survival, the Blu Girls fell short. The scores were tied at 5 in the fourth inning when Italy surged again by sending Alessandra Rotondo home. The Blu Girls tried to launch a final attempt to retake the lead but Cristy Joy Roa was struck out by the airtight Italian defense. The Blu Girls missed a chance to vie in the finals next year as they ended their campaign in fourth place with a 2-4 win-loss card. Still, it was a solid performance considering the high level of competition at this prestigious event held at the Campo Comunale da Softball in Castions di Strada, Italy. Around 18,000 kilometers from Italy, the Filipinas were making the country proud in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Sarina Bolden, a 27-year-old daughter of an American father and a Filipino mother from California, soared high to connect a header right into the heart of the Kiwi defense that served as the country’s first-ever goal in the World Cup. Then, another Filipino-American in Olivia McDaniel repeatedly extinguished numerous Kiwi attacks to preserve the victory that shook the entire football world to its very foundation. Although international media had put an asterisk on the victory for having all but one foreign-born player in the 24-woman roster, the fact remains that they wouldn’t be donning the national colors in the biggest, grandest stage of football in the world if they were not emotionally attached to their homeland. Bolden put it nicely. Being part of the Filipinas is their only way to reconnect with their roots. It is their way to pay homage to their Filipino ancestors who molded them into what they are right now. The success of the women should serve as a challenge to the men. Gilas Pilipinas is also competing in a world-class event — the FIBA Basketball World Cup. But it is facing the huge challenge of forming a solid team with barely a month before the prestigious 32-nation event kicks off on 25 August. Injuries have hampered the formation of the Gilas squad. Gilas coach Chot Reyes had yet to set up the team when Carl Tamayo withdrew, saying that he needed to rest following a grueling campaign in Japan. Then, the injury bug hounded the team with RR Pogoy, Ray Parks and Calvin Oftana all failing to join the first training camp at Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna due to various ailments. Gilas left for Europe with an incomplete roster. But before they could go home, Scottie Thompson crashed with a finger injury, raising fears that he would no longer be available for the biggest basketball showpiece in the world. Worse, Gilas’s biggest marquee players — Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto — have yet to see a single minute of playing time with their Gilas teammates. Clarkson was supposed to arrive six weeks before the World Cup. But his negotiations with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas stalled until he finally agreed to show up on 6 August, barely three weeks before the competition. Sotto, for his part, has a different story. After joining the National Basketball Association Summer League, the 7-foot-3 slotman flew to Manila, not to join Gilas, but to rest and recover from the back injury that he suffered in the United States. It took a week before he finally signed with Gilas, but there’s still no clarity as to when he will formally join the training. As of Saturday, Sotto, idolized by millions of Filipinos for being their brightest hope to represent them in the NBA, has yet to see a single second on the floor with the national team. With the way things are going, it seems that the country’s hosting of the World Cup is a disaster waiting to happen. The best players in the world are all set to compete but the Filipino “superstars” appear to be finding a lot of excuses to shun the huge responsibility of representing the country. Gilas should be inspired by the feats of the Blu Girls and the Filipinas. In a nation where softball and football fans are in the minority, these wonder women overcame great adversities and made great sacrifices just to play their hearts out and bring pride and glory to the country. Never mind if they can’t speak fluent Filipino or are being bashed for being the “Team B” of the United States. The mere fact that they are playing in a world-class event with the Philippine flag on their chests without conditions, without excuses is already a testament to their patriotism and burning desire to make the country proud. Indeed, strong women will always be men’s secret weapons. The post Wonder women appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Enchanted Kingdom celebrates Eldar the Wizard’s birthday
Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, announces two limited-time offer in celebration of its beloved character’s birthday this month. Eldar the Wizard is a home-grown, jolly character in EK known to teach children to uphold virtues of kindness, humility, patience, honesty, diligence, generosity, and love of God and family. Eldar’s Birthday Treat Promo – 16 July to 13 August 2023 The grand celebration will kick off with the EK online store exclusive Eldar’s Birthday Treat promo of one Regular Day Pass bundled with one Eldar’s hat for a discounted price of P1,200. Guests can avail of this promo exclusively at the EK Online Store until 30 July and experience the enchanting world of Eldar while donning this iconic hat until 13 August. Eldar’s Birthday Bash Promo – 30 July 2023 Meanwhile, EK’s Eldar’s Birthday Bash promo entitles guests with access to Eldar’s Birthday Bash and one EK Regular Day Pass on 30 July at the Enchanting Events Place. Guests will be captivated by the performances of Enchanted Kingdom characters and talented musicians, magicians, and dancers. Kids and adults alike will also enjoy face painting and other fun and interactive games and activities. Eldar will also treat his guests with scrumptious snacks and give away magical souvenirs. To attend Eldar’s Birthday Bash promo on 30 July, guests can book tickets from 16 to 30 July at the EK Online Store, Front Gate ticket booths, and Makati Sales Office. Non-members of the EKsperience Magic Card (EKMC) pay for only P1,500 while EKMC members can get this for only P500. For more information, guests can visit www.enchantedkingdom.ph or visit EK’s official Facebook Page. The post Enchanted Kingdom celebrates Eldar the Wizard’s birthday appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz joins global beat plastic efforts
On 5 June, the United Nations’ or UN World Environment Day, the Aboitiz Group demonstrates its commitment to global sustainability efforts by highlighting its groundbreaking innovations in the fight against plastic pollution. With this year’s theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, the Aboitiz Group supports effective action and a transition towards a circular economy to address global environmental challenges. The Group hews close to the UN Environment Program or UNEP’s vision of a shift to a circular economy, in which the inflow of plastics into the ocean can decrease by more than 80 percent by 2040, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 25 percent, and in the process even generate 700,000 job opportunities. The Group aims to accelerate progress and inspire others to take bold steps in combating plastic pollution. At the heart of the Aboitiz Group’s operations lies the OneNewAboitiz Sustainability Synergy, guiding the Group toward innovative practices and technologies. The Aboitiz Group’s sustainability achievements work towards a worldwide sustainable development agenda, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. By pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Aboitiz Group tackles pollution challenges with effective solutions. Through these dedicated initiatives and actions, the Aboitiz Group demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustainable development and actively contributes to the attainment of several SDGs. These include SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The Group’s efforts specifically focus on promoting responsible consumption and production, taking action against climate change, safeguarding marine ecosystems, and preserving terrestrial biodiversity. Reimagine seaweed As the Group undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, it is taking an innovative approach to #BeatPlasticPollution, reimagining the world in terms of possibilities and opportunities. With growing interest in using seaweed as an alternative to single-use plastic, leaders within the Aboitiz Group are working on the Reimagine Seaweed initiative, set to transform the seaweed industry of the Philippines. The initiative is holistically designed to create a sustainable and profitable seaweed industry that provides livelihoods to farmers, promotes biodiversity, reduces plastic pollution, and mitigates the effects of climate change. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, the Philippines is the fourth-largest producer of seaweed globally, supporting 1.4 million seaweed farmers. Under Reimagine Seaweed’s three-pronged strategy, seaweed farmers are taught better farming techniques and are introduced to green technology that will expand their product range to potentially include bioplastics, protein powder, cosmetics, and health supplements. Within the next five years, the Aboitiz Group and the Reimagine Seaweed team are looking to reduce single-use plastics in the region through the production of biodegradable and compostable packaging made from seaweed. This game-changing initiative is making progress towards improving the lives of seaweed farmers, bringing world-class green technology to the local industry, and eliminating single-use plastics in Asia and beyond. By leveraging a renewed entrepreneurial mindset and the latest technologies, the Aboitiz Group tackles global challenges with innovative approaches that advance the business and communities they serve. On the road to ending plastic toxicity, they are also opening up an ocean of opportunity with Reimagine Seaweed. Plastic Neutrality Republic Cement, a CRH-Aboitiz company, pioneered the use of alternative fuels through co-processing in the Philippines. The process involves the reuse and recovery of thermal and mineral properties of qualified waste materials as alternative fuels, allowing Republic Cement to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact. The firm uses residual plastic waste, including rejected plastic bottles, styrofoam, tarps, single-use plastic containers and utensils, sachets, shopping packages, and other soft plastics, as alternative fuels. In August 2022, Republic Cement achieved a significant milestone in becoming plastic-neutral. Through its resource recovery group, ecoloop, the company collected and co-processed an equivalent volume of residual plastic waste used in the packaging and transporting of its cement products. By integrating plastic waste into the cement manufacturing process, Republic Cement successfully offset its plastic packaging footprint for 2020 to 2022, equivalent to co-processing over 890 dump trucks filled with plastic waste. Republic Cement also supports numerous manufacturers to reach their plastic neutrality goals and be more responsible corporate citizens and stewards of the environment. Upcycled plastic City Savings Bank, the thrift bank subsidiary of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines or UnionBank, partnered with Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc. or Envirotech to upcycle plastic waste into classroom essentials: school chairs. In support of the Department of Education Matatag agenda to supplement basic education facilities and services, CitySavings donated 50 plastic chairs made of upcycled waste plastic to Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City and Tunasan National High School in Muntinlupa City. Likewise, the construction arm of the Group, Aboitiz Construction, has been implementing its policy against single-use plastics across all projects and facilities since last year. The implementation resulted in a 14.60% reduction of plastic wastes from 2022 to 2023. Also, this initiative is anchored in the firm’s compliance to ISO 14001: 2015 (Environmental Management System) and to its future plan of standardizing materials recovery facilities on all sites. The post Aboitiz joins global beat plastic efforts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group joins global efforts to 'BeatPlasticPollution
On June 5, the United Nations’ (UN) World Environment Day, the Aboitiz Group proudly demonstrates its commitment to global sustainability efforts by highlighting its groundbreaking innovations in the fight against plastic pollution. With this year’s theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, the Aboitiz Group supports effective action and a transition towards a circular economy to address global environmental challenges. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), by shifting to a circular economy, the inflow of plastics into the ocean can decrease by more than 80 percent by 2040, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent, and even generate 700,000 job opportunities. The Group aims to accelerate progress and inspire others to take bold steps in combating plastic pollution. At the heart of the Aboitiz Group’s operations lies the OneNewAboitiz Sustainability Synergy, guiding the Group toward innovative practices and technologies. The Aboitiz Group's sustainability achievements work towards the worldwide sustainable development agenda, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Aboitiz Group tackles pollution challenges with effective solutions. Through these dedicated initiatives and actions, the Aboitiz Group demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustainable development and actively contributes to the attainment of several SDGs. These include SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The Group's efforts specifically focus on promoting responsible consumption and production, taking action against climate change, safeguarding marine ecosystems, and preserving terrestrial biodiversity. Reimagine Seaweed As the Group undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, it is taking an innovative approach to #BeatPlasticPollution, reimagining the world in terms of possibilities and opportunities. With the growing interest in using seaweed as an alternative to single-use plastic, leaders within the Aboitiz Group are working on the Reimagine Seaweed initiative, set to transform the seaweed industry of the Philippines. The initiative is holistically designed to create a sustainable and profitable seaweed industry that provides livelihoods to farmers, promotes biodiversity, reduces plastic pollution, and mitigates the effects of climate change. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the Philippines is the fourth-largest producer of seaweed globally, supporting 1.4 million seaweed farmers. Under Reimagine Seaweed’s three-pronged strategy, seaweed farmers are taught better farming techniques and are introduced to green technology that will expand their product range to potentially include bioplastics, protein powder, cosmetics, and health supplements. Within the next five years, the Aboitiz Group and the Reimagine Seaweed team aim to reduce single-use plastics in the region through the production of biodegradable and compostable packaging made from seaweed. This game-changing initiative is making progress towards improving the lives of seaweed farmers, bringing world-class green technology to the local industry, and eliminating single-use plastics in Asia and beyond. By leveraging a renewed entrepreneurial mindset and the latest technologies, the Aboitiz Group tackles global challenges with innovative approaches that advance the business and communities they serve. On the road to ending plastic toxicity, they are also opening up an ocean of opportunity with Reimagine Seaweed. Plastic Neutrality Republic Cement, a CRH-Aboitiz company, pioneered the use of alternative fuels through co-processing in the Philippines. The process involves the reuse and recovery of thermal and mineral properties of qualified waste materials as alternative fuels, allowing Republic Cement to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact. The firm uses residual plastic waste, including rejected plastic bottles, styrofoam, tarps, single-use plastic containers and utensils, sachets, shopping packages, and other soft plastics, as alternative fuels. In August 2022, Republic Cement achieved a significant milestone in becoming plastic-neutral. Through its resource recovery group, ecoloop, the company collected and co-processed an equivalent volume of residual plastic waste used in the packaging and transporting of its cement products. By integrating plastic waste into the cement manufacturing process, Republic Cement successfully offset its plastic packaging footprint for 2020 to 2022, equivalent to co-processing over 890 dump trucks filled with plastic waste. Republic Cement also supports numerous manufacturers to reach their plastic neutrality goals and be more responsible corporate citizens and stewards of the environment. Upcycled Plastic City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), partnered with Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc. (Envirotech) to upcycle plastic waste into classroom essentials: school chairs. In support of the Department of Education (DepEd) Matatag agenda to supplement basic education facilities and services, CitySavings donated 50 plastic chairs made of upcycled waste plastic to Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City and Tunasan National High School in Muntinlupa City. Furthermore, the construction arm of the Group, Aboitiz Construction, has been implementing its policy against single-use plastics across all projects and facilities since last year. The implementation resulted in a 14.60% reduction in plastic waste from 2022 to 2023. This initiative is anchored to the firm’s commitment and compliance with ISO 14001: 2015 (Environmental Management System). This year, as part of its continual improvement plan, Aboitiz Construction will be improving its standard MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) across its project sites to improve waste segregation and disposal. The post Aboitiz Group joins global efforts to #BeatPlasticPollution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DepEd mulls class schedule revision
The Department of Education is still mulling whether or not to revert to the pre-pandemic school calendar currently being lobbied in the House of Representatives as it is still awaiting the study conducted by the group it constituted before giving its cue. DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa told Daily Tribune on Sunday that the review of the recommendation to return to the former academic calendar — where the kids’ break from school would be in April and May — is still ongoing. “The study is still ongoing. Because the study also includes the proposed transition plan, if ever. We will ask the concerned team tasked to study this,” Poa said in a text message. The study, which was kickoff at the peak of extreme summer heat in April, is being conducted to determine two things, according to Poa. “First, whether we should revert to old school calendar. Second, if we were to revert, how do we revert and timeline for such,” he said. “For example, heat in schools is one of our challenges right now due to summer. But PAGASA has recently stated that we might experience El Niño in the months of July, August or September,” Poa added. A bill that seeks to revert to the old school calendar was lobbied in the House of Representatives to refrain the students and teachers amid the scorching heat during summer and to safeguard them from possible heat stress during the dry months of April and May. Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, the proponent of House Bill 8508 that seeks to modify the start of the school year, contends that while it is impossible to predict the weather owing to climate change, the old school calendar is what best suits the nation. “The extreme heat experienced by teachers and students during the dry season, which is deemed not conducive to learning, and the students being unable to enjoy the school break because of the rainy season are the main reasons why we should change the opening of schools,” said Singson. The bill – if passed -- will make the first Monday of June of every year the start of the academic year in all basic education institutions in the country, including foreign and international schools. To recall, over 100 students in Cabuyao, Laguna, were rushed to a hospital owing to hunger and dehydration due to the heat index hovering between 39 and 42 degrees Celsius, prompting requests to reinstate the April-May school summer holiday. The post DepEd mulls class schedule revision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gilas Pilipinas’ SEAG win fuels excitement for 2023 FIBA World Cup
Less than a hundred days before the opening tip of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Filipino basketball fans are growing excited as they await the final list of local and international basketball superstars who will be playing in the Philippine leg of the said basketball championship. Following Gilas Pilipinas’ euphoric win against an import-laden Cambodian team in the recent 32nd Southeast Asian Games, and with the team’s grit and sound coaching strategies, basketball enthusiasts are optimistic about the team’s chances in this year’s FIBA World Cup. With Gilas Pilipinas facing familiar foes — Italy, Dominican Republic and Angola — in the FIBA World Cup’s group stage, the victory over Cambodia could inspire the players as they compete with these teams. Playing in front of the home crowd will boost the team’s morale as Gilas Pilipinas sets their sights on winning in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and qualifying to represent the flag in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. The Philippines last played in the 1972 Olympics and winning the FIBA World Cup could end the drought. In an interview, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Alfredo S. Panlilio shared his wishes that Gilas Pilipinas could win at least two (games) and move to the next round. Since the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas had only won once in 10 matches. Thus, there is enormous pressure to perform at an all-time high, considering that the Philippines is one of the co-hosts of this year’s tournament. Panlilio added, “If we do that (win at least two games and advance to the knockout stage), possibly, because the highest ranking Asian team after every tournament gets a slot in the Olympics. It’s a reward if we’re the highest Asian team. In the meantime, what remains crucial for Gilas Pilipinas’ coaching staff is its selection of players that would participate in the FIBA World Cup. The players’ selection also excites Filipinos as they all wait to see if Filipino-American and Utah Jazz Guard Jordan Clarkson would don the country’s colors. News reports quoted Gilas Pilipinas Head Coach Chot Reyes saying, “The selection would be based on various factors such as schedules, players’ plans, and even economics. To be very honest about it, to be very frank, economics will also be an issue.” “There are a lot of things that are going to be involved in making the final determination. We plan to have a 16- or 18-man pool, and it might be more, to go on an extended training period that will include foreign camps and tune-up games against quality competition,” Reyes said. The Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia will host this year’s FIBA World Cup from August 25 to September 10, 2023. The games will be played simultaneously at the Araneta Coliseum for Groups A and B, Mall of Asia Arena for Groups C and D, Okinawa Arena in Japan for Groups E and F, and at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta for Groups G and H. The qualifying teams will head to Manila as the Playoffs and Finals Games will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena. As the country prepares to host the most prestigious FIBA World Cup, Panlilio also called on all basketball stakeholders to unite to support Gilas Pilipinas as it competes in the international arena. With the Philippines’ passionate fans, rich basketball culture, and world-class venues, the stage is all set for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which is certain to leave a mark on the global basketball landscape. The post Gilas Pilipinas’ SEAG win fuels excitement for 2023 FIBA World Cup appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»