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Canino claims women’s chess crown
Ruelle Canino, the 16-year-old chess wonder, shook the current order and slew some of the country’s giants of the game in conquering the National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan over the weekend......»»
Belle Mariano renewed as Shein Filipina ambassador
Kapamilya star Belle Mariano had a message for her fellow women this Women's Month. .....»»
Canino is Olympiad bound
It was sealed by an 83-move draw with Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia of a Sicilian in the 10th and penultimate round of the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship at the Malolos City Hall in Bulacan......»»
Perfect practice for Paris
It played out like a script. Olympic qualifier Eumir Marcial treated a cheering hometown crowd to a spectacular knockout win over Thailand’s Thoedsak Sinam, celebrated a sentimental homecoming and provided a preview of what to expect in Paris before a star-studded audience that included WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Saturday night......»»
March Madness: 5 Key Insights from Day 2 of the Womens Tournament
The NCAA women’s basketball tournament continued with a bang on Day 2, as fans were treated to some thrilling matchups and standout performances from both.....»»
NCAA juniors champ, Finals MVP Manalili basks on day full of wins
Finals MVP Jonathan Manalili helps power Letran to the NCAA juniors basketball championship, then scores another winning romp in the NBTC All-Star just a few hours later.....»»
Kieffer Alas shines brightest in 2024 NBTC adidas All-Star Game
IN the midst of the hottest young guns of juniors basketball, La Salle Zobel guard Kieffer Alas stood tall on Saturday's 2024 Smart-NBTC All-Star Saturday......»»
LA Tenorio, Eya Laure underscore importance of sports camps
Basketball icon LA Tenorio and volleyball star Eya Laure relished going back to their roots as they made an appearance in the launching of a barangay sports grassroots program this weekend......»»
National women s chess tilt: Frayna stops Canino to stay in title contention
Janelle Mae Frayna restored some order in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship after she stopped wonder girl Ruelle Canino in the ninth round Friday to remain in the title race in Malolos, Bulacan......»»
Canino back on top
Prodigious Ruelle Canino, regarded as the future of Philippine women’s chess, sustained her fine form in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan.....»»
Ex K-pop star Jung Joon Young released after 5-year rape, spycam sentence
Jung was found guilty of rape on two occasions in 2016 and of filming himself having intercourse with other women without their knowledge and sharing the footage without their consent......»»
A resounding FIBA World Cup hosting success
In 2007, sports patron and prominent business executive Manny V. Pangilinan flew to Geneva to mend the country’s scarred relationship with FIBA when the Philippines was suspended due to a struggle between the Basketball Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Olympic Committee. Over the years, MVP, along with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas or SBP, were able to make amends and formed a strong bond with FIBA. And as they say, the rest was history. MVP’s vision to host the FIBA World Cup in a tri-nation bid was approved. The country, together with Japan and Indonesia, was granted to host the 2023 FIBA World Cup, with 32 teams competing for the coveted Naismith trophy for the 2023 Last Sunday, the World Cup curtain finally closed, with several records written, erased, and etched in FIBA history. First, the expanded World Cup adopted by the organizers successfully achieved a more competitive playing field. Nine of the 32 that came to this World Cup did not play in the previous World Cup. After two weeks of grueling competition, six of the eight countries that previously entered the quarterfinals in the 2019 World Cup failed to advance to the next round. Argentina, France, Spain, Poland, Australia, and the Czech Republic were eliminated earlier in the group stages, with only the US and Serbia moving to the semi-final round. Second, for the first time since it participated in the tournament, Germany won the World Cup championship, beating all its opponents in the elimination rounds for an immaculate 7-0 and completing an 8-0 game sweep by beating Serbia in the final, 83-77. FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis was quoted by AP saying the expanded qualification field “has changed global basketball on the men’s side.” Third, the three host countries had record-breaking attendance, a rousing success for the tri-nation hosting of the world’s biggest basketball show. Across 92 games in 15 days in five different venues (three in Manila, one each in Okinawa and Jakarta), Zagklis said the World Cup drew a total of 700,000 fans pending the final numbers from the bronze-medal match between USA and Canada and Serbia-Germany finale. In the opener on 25 August, the Philippines tallied a World Cup record featuring 38,115 fans who witnessed the thrilling battle between home team Gilas Pilipinas and the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. The milestone highlighted the Philippines’ hosting and smashed the previous record of 32,616 spectators who watched the gold medal match between the USA and Russia in the 1994 games in Toronto, Canada. Zaglis was all praises for the three countries, especially the Philippines, whom he described as an excellent host. “I don’t think it’s easy to find anywhere in the world that has this kind of service to the visitors. Always with a smile and kindness and with a solution-oriented approach. I can only express how grateful FIBA is to the Philippines,” Zaglis said. SBP president Al S. Panlilio had mixed emotions as the FIBA World Cup ended. “We have proven that our country can host a global basketball event as huge as the FIBA World Cup. Everyone involved — the local organizing committee, various private and public stakeholders, volunteers, peace and order personnel, traffic enforcers, the LGUs, and basketball-loving Pinoys who bravely trooped to the venues to watch the games — must be congratulated for making the event a whopping success.” “But there’s also a feeling of extreme bittersweetness as it comes to an end, yet overshadowed by extreme hopefulness for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar,” he added. Panlilio spearheaded the country’s bid for the multiple-nation hosting of the World Cup along with MVP, SBP chairman emeritus, in 2017. He acknowledged what MVP did to bring the FIBA World Cup to the Philippines with his creative vision of bidding for multi-nation hosting. “It was a privilege to help realize that creative vision by collaboratively working with various groups and stakeholders and successfully hosting the World Cup. We are proud of the effort everyone contributed to make this huge undertaking a monumental and amazing feat,” Panlilio said. The post A resounding FIBA World Cup hosting success appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG’s BIDA Program rolled out in Zamboanga del Sur
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos led the rollout of the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" (BIDA) Program in Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday morning. The BIDA Program launch was one of the highlights of the 71st Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur celebration at the Mega Gymnasium Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City, which Abalos attended as a guest of honor and speaker. In his message before an estimated crowd of 1,500 Zambosurians, the DILG chief highlighted the critical role of local government units (LGUs) and other sectors of society in addressing the drug menace through education, prevention, and rehabilitation to complement the relentless anti-drug operations of law enforcement agencies. “Ang importante habang nanghuhuli ang mga pulis, tayong mga nasa LGU—mga barangay captain, konsehal, mayor, gobernador, bokal—community groups, religious leaders, parents, whole-of-nation approach dapat. Bumaba tayo, tulungan natin ang pulis. It’s not only about supply reduction. But most importantly, it's about demand reduction,” Abalos said. Furthermore, the DILG secretary congratulated the province of Zamboanga del Sur on its 71st Charter Day celebration. He also commended the leadership of Governor Victor J. Yu, who focused his governance through HEARTS or Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture, Roads and Bridges, Tourism, and Security. Abalos ended his message by inspiring local officials to continue heed the call of President Marcos for unity. “Iisang bangka tayo. We are given this opportunity, let's make the most out of it. It's time to make a difference for our province, for our city, and most specially for our country. Wala nang sana ganito, sa ganyan sa Pilipinas, wala na. Panahon natin 'to gawin na natin ang tama at huwag tayong matakot. Magtulungan tayo," he said. Named as one of the best government initiatives in Asia by international award-giving body GovMedia Awards, the BIDA Program has already been rolled out to over 700 LGUs nationwide since it was officially launched in November last year, initiating several activities such as BIDA Fun Runs, Serbisyo Caravans, Zumba sessions, cycling events, workshops, and seminars. Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary for Local Goverment Marlo Iringan, during the Laging Handa press briefing in Malacañang, said the BIDA Program has been going around the country, in line with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s continued campaign against illegal drugs with a renewed focus on demand reduction through a whole-of-nation approach. "Iyong nangyaring bike fest sa Bulacan noong nakaraang Linggo ay isa lamang sa napakaraming mga event at activities na pinangunahan ng ating kagawaran, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Benhur Abalos patungkol doon sa flagship program ng ating pamahalaan na 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan'," he said. "Nailunsad po natin itong noong nakaraang taon, November actually, at napunta na po tayo sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas at nagkaroon ng bike fest, fun run. At hindi lang po iyon ‘no, napakarami nating mga ugnayan sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan at sa iba’t ibang lebel ng pamahalaan nang sa ganoon ay makuha iyong kanilang suporta sa ating whole-of-nation/whole-of-government approach against illegal drugs," Iringan explained. "Nagawa na po natin sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas at iyan nga ang isa sa mga gagawin pa natin sa mga susunod na araw. Subalit katulad ng nabanggit ko, this is only one of the strategies to generate support against illegal drugs. Nakikipag-ugnayan din po kami halimbawa sa Philippine Basketball Association, sa mga sports association nang sa ganoon suportahan ng mga athletes, na siyang tinitingala/iniidolo ng karamihan sa mga kabataan ‘no, na suportahan itong laban natin sa illegal drugs. Nakikipag-ugnayan kami sa mga iba’t ibang malalaking kumpanya katulad ng SM nang sa ganoon ay magkaroon sila ng initiative or intervention for a drug-free workplace. At iyon na nga po, pati na sa lahat ng mga eskuwelahan, mga unibersidad at mga kolehiyo ay hinihikayat din sila na tumulong ‘no sa laban sa iligal na droga," he added. DILG and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan partner on BIDA The DILG's BIDA Program has also gained anti-illegal drug advocates among the youth of Cagayan de Oro with the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan. Abalos said the important role of schools like Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan and the church in the whole-of-nation BIDA campaign dwells on the holistic formation of the values of the youth and helping them lead productive lives away from the temptation of illegal drugs. DILG Region X Regional Director Wilhelm M. Suyko, who signed the MOA on behalf of the DILG, said youth involvement is a significant and strategic approach to further strengthen the advocacy of the program. “The good thing about this partnership is that this will also be an opportunity to involve the youth in this campaign. We believe that our students could make a change and that they are our instruments in communicating effectively with the youth as well,” Suyko said. The post DILG’s BIDA Program rolled out in Zamboanga del Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides livelihood support to Baliuag workers
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has expressed the need for stronger government interventions to provide more livelihood opportunities, particularly for those who have been adversely affected by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Go’s team visited Baliuag City, Bulacan on Friday, 1 September, and coordinated with Congresswoman Augustina “Tina” Pancho and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide assistance to 269 disadvantaged workers. Conducted at the Barangay Pinagbarilan covered court, Go’s team provided snacks and shirts to all beneficiaries while they also gave away shoes, mobile phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Meanwhile, the qualified beneficiaries also received livelihood support from DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. “Nais kong magpadala ng taos-pusong pasasalamat sa TUPAD ng DOLE. Sa gitna ng kinakaharap nating krisis sa kalusugan, ang TUPAD ay naging isang malaking tulong sa ating mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng pandemya,” Go said. “Ang TUPAD ay hindi lamang isang programa; ito'y nagbibigay ng oportunidad at pag-asa sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nawalan ng trabaho o kabuhayan dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin. Sa pamamagitan nito, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaruon ng pansamantalang trabaho at kumita ng maayos para sa kanilang pamilya,” he stressed further. Furthermore, Go has been instrumental in pushing for the passage of Republic Act No. 11960, also known as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. This law, authored and co-sponsored by Go in the Senate, aims to promote entrepreneurship and local economic development by showcasing and supporting unique products from each town around the country. The OTOP program encourages Filipinos to take pride in their local products, providing a platform for small-scale producers to access a wider market. Go highlighted the OTOP program’s potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth in communities, and empower Filipinos to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. The senator added that by promoting and investing in locally made products, the OTOP Philippines Act can help revitalize local economies and provide sustainable livelihoods for countless individuals and families across the country. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has consistently emphasized the imperative of improving and expanding the country’s healthcare system to guarantee accessible medical services for disadvantaged populations. He has been an advocate for the establishment of Super Health Centers across the country. In the province of Bulacan, the Department of Health (DOH) has identified other strategic locations to establish Super Health Centers, including the cities of Baliuag, Meycauayan, and San Jose del Monte, and the towns of Angat, Balagtas, Bulakan, Pandi, San Miguel, Guiguinto, Marilao, Obando, Paombong, Plaridel, San Ildefonso, and San Rafael. Go likewise encouraged those with health concerns to seek the assistance of the Malasakit Centers at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City, Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria, and Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte in San Jose del Monte City. The Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The one-stop shop aims to help impoverished patients by reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 158 operational centers have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to DOH. As the principal sponsor and one of the authors, Go also highlighted the recently enacted RA 11959, widely known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The legislation mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals, stressing the government's commitment to enhancing the nation's healthcare infrastructure. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance supported the rehabilitation of the Bulacan State University Activity Center and the construction of a multipurpose building in Malolos City, the construction of drainages, provision of medical equipment for local hospitals, improvement of the Pandi District Hospital, concreting of a farm-to-market road in San Ildefonso, and many more. Another team of Go was also in Bustos town on the same day and helped more struggling workers. The post Bong Go provides livelihood support to Baliuag workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
It’s not just Chot
Basketball-crazy Filipinos are up in arms, bashing Chot Reyes following Gilas Pilipinas’ disastrous performance in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Well, they have a point. As head coach, Reyes was supposed to carry out the special mission of leading Gilas Pilipinas to a respectable performance in the World Cup and an outright berth in the 2024 Summer Olympics. He was given everything he needed. In fact, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas opened its wallet to fly in National Basketball Association superstar Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto from the United States, while the best Filipino players inside and outside the Philippine Basketball Association were enlisted to assemble the country’s tallest and most talented roster ever. When Gilas Pilipinas was about to take on the Dominican Republic in the World Cup opener, the government even declared a holiday in Metro Manila and Bulacan so fans could troop to the Philippine Arena to express their support. But what happened? Gilas opened its campaign with a disappointing loss to the Dominicans before displaying subpar performances against Angola and Italy to get relegated to the classification phase. Against South Sudan, a country that only gained its independence in 2011, Gilas Pilipinas was sluggish as it trailed by 18 points at halftime. Although the Filipinos showed some flashes of brilliance in the third period, the South Sudanese proved they were the better team as they delivered a strong finishing kick to seal their victory. The loss to South Sudan sparked an outrage among Filipino fans. They claim that Reyes is no longer the right leader for Gilas as he got outclassed and outcoached by the most brilliant minds in international basketball. At one point, South Sudan coach Royal Ivey made Reyes look like an amateur as he made some key adjustments while calmly instructing his wards not to panic amid the Filipinos’ fiery rally. Prior to the game against the Africans, Reyes texted his principal — SBP chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan — a short but sincere message: Sorry Boss. The following day, Reyes confirmed his message and took full responsibility for what is arguably one of the darkest and most embarrassing chapters in the history of Philippine basketball. Truly, it’s time for Reyes to go. But is he the only person who deserves all the blame for this humiliating performance? Definitely not. The fate of Gilas had been cemented long before they battled the powerhouse Dominicans that fateful Friday evening in Bulacan. If we really want to trace what went wrong in the Gilas program, we have to go back to as far as last year when Kiwi-American mentor Tab Baldwin suddenly resigned as head coach so he could focus on handling the basketball program of Ateneo de Manila University. With no head coach and most of the players campaigning in either Japan or Korea, the SBP pressed the panic button and instructed Reyes to hop from TNT Tropang Giga back to Gilas so he could save the program that was already teetering on the brink of a massive disaster. The results were far from impressive as Gilas blew hot and cold in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and finished ninth in the FIBA Asia Cup. The most shameful performance, however, was in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi when a rag-tag Gilas crew suffered a gut-wrenching 85-81 setback to Indonesia in the gold medal match, prompting Reyes to tender his resignation the moment he landed in Manila. But the federation rejected it. Pangilinan and Panlilio wanted Reyes to stay until the FIBA World Cup and finish the job that was initially intended for Baldwin. Now that Reyes has failed, the entire country is crucifying him. Sure, Reyes is no saint. He also has a lot of shortcomings. But before we bash him, let us remember: It’s not just Chot. The post It’s not just Chot appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bring public health services closer
“Health is the greatest of human blessings,” according to Hippocrates, father of Modern Medicine. That is why we continue to make significant strides in improving our health system. The latest of which is the signing into law of the Regional Specialty Centers Act. As the principal sponsor and one of the authors of this measure, I am grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., for approving and prioritizing this legislation which will help bring specialized medical care closer to Filipinos in various regions, and hopefully to the most vulnerable groups in grassroots communities. As we aim to make public health more accessible, we must continue such efforts to ensure all Filipinos get the healthcare they deserve. In line with this, the Malasakit Centers we initiated in 2018 have already provided financial medical assistance to more than seven million patients so far. There are 158 Malasakit centers established all over the country through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. I have also continuously pushed for the establishment of Super Health Centers, which are medium versions of a polyclinic and improved versions of the rural health unit, to make healthcare more accessible to Filipinos even in remote areas. These centers, funded with the help of my fellow legislators and primarily implemented by the Department of Health, shall provide primary health care services in communities that also include consultation, diagnosis, and early detection of diseases. As chair of the Senate Health Committee, I must emphasize the need to bring public health services closer to the people who need them the most. The enactment of the Regional Specialty Centers Act, along with the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers and the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide will hopefully bridge this gap and further promote the health and well-being of Filipinos no matter where they are in the country. As a legislator and public servant, I will continue to help improve public service delivery at the grassroots to the best of my capacity so that no Filipino is neglected when it comes to availing government services they need. That is why aside from the health initiatives mentioned above, I also continue to visit communities to deliver assistance, listen to their concerns, and provide solutions to their daily struggles. We were in Laguna on August 25 to inspect the Siniloan Sports Complex which was funded through our efforts as part of our goal as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports to promote grassroots sports development and divert our youth from harmful vices like illegal drugs. We then inspected the Isolation Facility of the Infirmary Hospital which we supported during the Duterte administration. We also led the distribution of aid to 500 impoverished residents of Siniloan together with Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, and other local officials. Last weekend, I also joined fellow officials and basketball enthusiasts alike in supporting Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. I commend everyone who took part in ensuring the successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup here in the Philippines. We were invited as a guest speaker on 24 August at the Gender and Development Activity organized by the Provincial Council of Occidental Mindoro. We support these kinds of discussions that aim to promote equal and gender-sensitive leadership. On 23 August, I received the prestigious Apostle Arsenio Ferriol Award of Excellence for Public Service and Governance. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) for this very prestigious recognition. With or without an award, I will continue my mission to serve fellow Filipinos, knowing very well that service to the people is service to God. Aside from the awarding ceremony, I also joined them yesterday for their 50th Golden Church Anniversary celebration in New Clark City, Tarlac. I also visited Navotas City on 22 August, together with Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez to help 1,000 senior citizens, PWDs, and indigents. We also provided additional support to 1,328 recovering fire victims who were given aid from the National Housing Authority to buy housing materials through their Emergency Housing Assistance Program that we initiated before and continue to support its implementation now. We were also instrumental in the construction of nine public school buildings in Navotas City, some of which we were able to inspect during our visit. My office also continues to assist Filipinos affected by calamities. Among those assisted were typhoon victims in various towns in Cagayan — 500 in Gonzaga; 500 residents in Aparri; 500 in Allacapan; 500 in Pamplona; 500 in Ballesteros; and 500 more in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. More support was also provided for 35 indigents from different towns of Cotabato Province plus 110 sectoral members in Libungan town; three fire victims of Brgy. Peñaplata in Samal Island; 1,000 residents of Sibalom and almost 250 in Tobias Fornier in Antique; 1,000 beneficiaries in Polomolok, South Cotabato; 66 residents of Malolos Bulacan; 31 residents of General Tinio and 140 more in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. We also extended livelihood support to 14 indigents in Cauayan, Negros Occidental; three farmers in San Lorenzo, Guimaras; and 52 residents of Brgy. Tisa, Cebu City who were previously victims of a fire incident. They were also provided aid through DTI’s Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, which I pushed for before and continue to support now to boost the livelihood of those affected by various crises. Furthermore, I am also thankful to the President for signing the following into law: Republic Act No. 11961, which I co-authored, amending the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and mandates the creation of a Philippine Registry of Heritage; RA 11958, which I co-authored, that amends RA 6948 to rationalize the disability pension provided to military veterans; and the One Town, One Product Philippines Program, which I authored and co-sponsored, to support the growth of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises. While we have accomplished a lot in the past few days in helping those in need and pushing for policies that would uplift the lives of fellow Filipinos, our work must not stop as long as there are more of our kababayans who rely on us for support. As public servants, let us continue to bring the government and its services closer to the people while working together so that no one is left behind toward recovery and progress. The post Bring public health services closer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MMDA ready for FIBA World Cup gridlock
An official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday said the agency has prepared for the possible heavy traffic for the opening of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2023 in Bulacan. This was revealed by MMDA Traffic Discipline Office — Enforcement head Vic Nuñez in response to the expected traffic build-up due to the event. He said all the delegates, VIPs, FIBA officials that will be going to the venues, especially to the Philippine Arena in Bulacan have been considered and they have prepared a traffic plan for it. Nuñez said that some of the delegates, VIPs and FIBA officials will use a VIP lane going to the venue as they deployed around 1,300 MMDA personnel for FIBA 2023. Earlier, the MMDA announced that it would implement a stop-and-go traffic scheme and truck ban in some concerned areas as part of its traffic management. Also, the Philippine National Police said that the security measures for the event are already “locked in” after a conference with concerned government agencies and stakeholders. The post MMDA ready for FIBA World Cup gridlock appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MMDA ready to handle traffic for FIBA World Cup 2023
An official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday said the agency has prepared for the possible heavy traffic for the opening of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Bulacan. This was disclosed by MMDA Traffic Discipline Office - Enforcement head Vic Nuñez in response to the expected traffic build-up due to the event. He said all the delegates, VIPs, and FIBA officials that will be going to the venues, especially to the Philippine Arena in Bulacan have been considered and they have prepared a traffic plan for it. Nunez said that some of the delegates, VIPs, and FIBA officials will use a VIP lane going to the venue as they deployed around 1,300 MMDA personnel for FIBA 2023. Earlier, the MMDA announced that it would implement a stop-and-go traffic scheme and truck ban in some concerned areas as part of its traffic management. Also, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that the security measures for the event are already “locked in” after a conference with concerned government agencies and stakeholders. The PNP said 2,589 personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and 363 officers from Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) will be deployed. A total of 2,904 personnel from other government agencies and force multipliers will also help secure the basketball event. The police said they expect 3,000 participants in the event, including FIBA members, World Congress attendees, local organizers, government officials, media, and foreign embassy representatives. Around 2,000 guests are also expected to arrive from other countries for the event, the PNP said. The event will be held from 25 August to 10 September wherein three Asian countries will host FIBA 2023: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. Accordingly, the Philippines will host participants from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, with an expected total of 3,253 FIBA customer groups participating. Games will be played in different venues, including the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. The post MMDA ready to handle traffic for FIBA World Cup 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unite for 2023 FIBA World Cup
The eyes of the world will be on the Philippines tomorrow when the most prestigious basketball event unfolds in the 55,000 seater Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan......»»