Datasets:

nixbel

/

news

like 0

Marcos bans Pogo, cites ‘disorder’ it caused PH

Julie M. Aurelio

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:55:00 PST

REPORT TO THE NATION President Marcos delivers his third State of the Nation Address on Monday during the joint session of Congress presided over by Senate President Francis Escudero (top left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. —Marianne Bermudez REPORT TO THE NATION President Marcos delivers his third State of the Nation Address on Monday during the joint session of Congress presided over by Senate President Francis Escudero (top left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. —Marianne Bermudez MANILA, Philippines — Heeding the clamor of lawmakers, business groups, civil society and even his economic managers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday banned all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) effective immediately. “Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, [and] even murder. The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” the President said during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), eliciting a standing ovation and chanting of his initials “BBM” among lawmakers, government officials, and other guests at the Batasang Pambansa’s session hall. “The disorder that it caused our society as well as the desecration of our country must stop. Effectively today, all Pogos are banned,” Marcos firmly declared toward the end of his speech, which lasted an hour and 22 minutes. READ: Dole assures support for displaced Pogo workers The President instructed the state regulator, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), to “wind down and cease the operations of Pogos by the end of the year.” He then directed the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), in coordination with his economic managers, to “use the time between now and then to find new jobs for our countrymen who will be displaced.” The Dole earlier said that some 25,000 workers could find themselves jobless should Congress enact legislation banning Pogos. The Chief Executive stressed that the ban on Pogos “will solve many of the problems that we are encountering, but it will not solve all of them.” He urged all government officials and employees, law enforcers, and the Filipino people to “always be vigilant, principled and think of the nation” in order to “solve all the problems that we have been suffering under.” Marcos’ pronouncement ended speculation over his stance on Pogos, amid the involvement of illegal offshore gaming hubs in crimes ranging from financial crimes to kidnapping, human trafficking, and murder. Pagcor Chair Alejandro Tengco vowed to comply with the President’s order on Pogos in the remaining six months of 2024. “We have to start the process. We cannot just do it by the end of the year, there will be a process first. Many of those to be affected are legally working. We have to explain it to them,” Tengco told reporters after Marcos’ speech. Tengco said he was not surprised by the President’s pronouncement, adding that he had no qualms about implementing it, even if he was in favor of stronger regulation rather than an outright ban. He warned that there might be an increase in the number of illegal gaming hubs in the country with the ban in place. “There should be coordination with law enforcement agencies to counter this,” Tengco added. Last week, business groups pushed to ban Pogos, a move that snowballed following the congressional probe on the social ills and other crimes that attended their operations. On separate occasions, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman agreed that Pogos should be banned. China, which prohibits all forms of gambling, had long urged the Philippines to ban Pogos, which catered mainly to Chinese nationals. Pogos first emerged in the country in 2016, the first year of President Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, as he pursued closer trade and investment ties with China. But along with the rise of Pogos came reports of serious crimes—killings, kidnappings, blackmail, prostitution, illegal detention, and other infractions that abused the laws of the country and victimized Pogo workers. In justifying continued Pogo operations in September 2019, Duterte said shutting them down would cause job and revenue losses. According to data presented by the Department of Finance during a Senate hearing last July 16, the estimated total economic benefits from Pogos amounted to P166.49 billion annually, while the estimated total economic cost was P265.74 billion. Economic losses included both direct and indirect costs of allowing Pogo operations, which include “effects of reputational risks which have an impact on foreign direct investments” and the “negative impact of criminal incidents” to the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. Since last year, several illegal Pogo operations have been raided for being linked to criminal activities, including espionage. One of these was the police raid of an illegal Pogo hub in Bamban, Tarlac, following human trafficking and serious illegal detention complaints that were later linked to suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. Earlier in his speech, the President reassured the people that the government’s antinarcotics campaign would remain “bloodless” under his watch and that “extermination” of illegal drug suspects would never be a strategy, drawing the first standing ovation in the course of his Sona. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. The previous administration’s bloody campaign on illegal drugs attracted international attention from human rights groups following the mounting death toll it had caused. Drug suspects killed was officially placed at 6,235 as of Feb. 28, 2022, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, adding that 331,694 suspects were arrested in the 229,868 drug war operations that started on the day Duterte took office in 2016. —with a report from Inquirer Research News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964063/marcos-bans-pogo-cites-disorder-it-caused-ph?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0xejpP1M25zp33fQzEcXnIvFt1zGmr2Li02ip9mpAQV6CoLS2I7E5nRTM_aem_lyePYcBkqMMtK0lhzJUX3A

Gas price up but diesel, kerosene down

INQUIRER.net

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:50:00 PST

Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta MANILA, Philippines — It is not all good news for motorists this week after local oil companies announced mixed movements in the pump prices of petroleum products effective on Tuesday, July 23. In separate advisories, the companies said the price per liter of gasoline rose by 10 centavos, while those of diesel and kerosene dropped by 40 centavos and 70 centavos, respectively. READ: Gas prices to rise again this week, but diesel to go down Caltex and CleanFuel implemented the price adjustments by 12:01 a.m., followed by Shell, Seaoil, Jetti Petroleum, and Petro Gazz at 6 a.m. The Department of Energy (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau said the mixed price adjustments were due to uncertain demand globally and “slow” economic growth in China. Last week, fuel retailers slashed the prices per liter of gasoline by 60 centavos, diesel by 95 centavos, and kerosene by P1.15. —Meg J. Adonis Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964023/gas-price-up-but-diesel-kerosene-down?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1z7tSkVbEAL_73L6j_370H1kQiJW7DZdzdnN_bPrH69ebiQeCg7s3TmyY_aem_UM7ZHyBLOqcrkpO8rjsMNg

Escudero: Divisive bills, including Cha-cha, not a priority

Tina G. Santos

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:30:00 PST

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero —Senate PRIB Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero —Senate PRIB MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will place “divisive” proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution “on the back burner,” Senate President Francis Escudero announced at the opening of the third regular session of the 19th Congress on Monday, a few hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his State of the Nation Address (Sona). In his speech, Escudero said the upper chamber “would set aside items, which merely dissipate our energy and divide the public.” READ: Officials expect Marcos to tackle key issues in 3rd Sona “It’s not a priority for me and since it was not mentioned in the Ledac (Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council), I don’t think it’s a priority of the Ledac or the executive [branch] either,” he clarified in a press briefing afterward. “In its stead, bills which can effect the same result—but without the needless political noise and bickering—will be prioritized. This will allow us to focus our energy on measures, [that] the people truly need,” he added. Escudero declared in his speech the Senate’s “unanimous and unbending” stand in defending the country’s independence and sovereignty amid rising tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In line with this, priority would be given to passing laws similar to the Maritime Zone and Sea Lanes Act, which aims to strengthen the Philippines’ territorial claims, he said. Escudero also highlighted the importance of strengthening the military to secure peace, not to provoke conflict, as well as peaceful measures to protect fisherfolk’s rights to navigate and fish in the country’s territorial waters. Ranking House leaders, on the other hand, said they respected the Senate’s decision to deprioritize economic Charter change (Cha-cha) but insisted it was not yet dead in the water. In separate interviews, Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre and PBA Rep. Migs Nograles said the lower chamber—which passed on third and final reading Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 seeking to amend specific economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution—would still have to “wait and see” what next steps to take regarding their pet legislative agenda. “At the same time, the Senate’s rules and leadership are different, so we will have to see what direction they would take with this,” Nograles said. “[Charter change] remains to be a viable option if we’re going to go full throttle on the economic development goals,” added Acidre. “While we have different opinions, [I would say] this is a valid and opportune time to really review the Constitution.” “I don’t think we can always consider [this] as dead in the water, as long as Congress is there,” Acidre said. “It would always be an option.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964064/escudero-divisive-bills-including-cha-cha-not-a-priority?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR15WB84cwPPk7POZ1z9JN8J_M-HlP5ey8NVOq7j6DTpaYS6GWf4Igic22c_aem_N8-K28aSnO69ZnSaCy--Ug

Boss Toyo: ‘Just wanted to listen to what the President would say’

Luisa Cabato

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:03:21 PST

Online personality “Boss Toyo” arrives at the red carpet ahead of President Marcos’ Sona. —courtesy of Luisa Cabato Online personality “Boss Toyo” arrives at the red carpet ahead of President Marcos’ Sona. —courtesy of Luisa Cabato MANILA, Philippines — Content creator “Boss Toyo” addressed netizens who are questioning his attendance at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address on Monday. Boss Toyo (of Pinoy Pawnstars online show), or Jayson Luzadas in real life, graced the red carpet at the Batasang Pambansa ahead of Marcos’ Sona. READ: Boss Toyo attends Marcos’ 3rd Sona But netizens were quick to bat an eye his presence at the event. In a Facebook post, the online personality asked if it is ever not allowed for a content creator to attend the event. “Bkit bawal po ba ang isang content creator dto? Bawal po ba ang isang tulad ko dito? Bawal ba dahil hndi aq politiko? (Why is a content creator not allowed here? Is someone like me not allowed here? Is it because I am not a politician?)” the caption of his selfie taken inside the Plenary Hall read. He further claimed that the public were too condescending to him, and he just wanted to listen to what the President would say in his Sona because he is a Filipino who cares about his country. “Wala ako nkikitang masama kung andito ako or kahit sinong tao andito. Pilipino ako at me paki ako sa bayan ko (I don’t see anything wrong with me being here or anyone else being here. I am Filipino and I care about my country.),” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964086/boss-toyo-just-wanted-to-listen-to-what-the-president-would-say?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2fYpP9MNzkerhMRW_gHxmUkvRkjmGnbJjiNj7FhdOQYZ5lmVC5_qwV2dA_aem_zgWIX8Q6tBfO9LLFeYLTdA

Debt-saddled Sky wins big in Converge deal, says analyst

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:04:00 PST

Through its partnership with Converge ICT Solutions Inc., Sky Cable Corp. may be able to expand its reach across the country without having to spend so much money, a welcome development for ABS-CBN Corp.’s loss-generating subsidiary. The companies announced on Monday a commercial agreement enabling Sky to leverage Converge’s fiber network stretching over 700,000 kilometers across the country connecting 16 million homes. “Through the arrangement with Converge, we expect Sky and its subscribers to benefit from the world-class fiber network that Converge has built over the last few years,” Sky president and chief operations officer Claudia Suarez said in a statement. For Converge, the deal will allow it to maximize its network and increase utilization of its over 8 million ports. “This will be a revenue boost for Converge consistent with similar arrangements with other players as we are able to continue to monetize further our excess network capacity,” Converge president and cofounder Maria Grace Uy added. READ: Sky Cable beefing up operations with Converge network China Bank Capital Corp. managing director Juan Paolo Colet said the collaboration could “put Sky in a better position to compete in the market through better service quality and wider reach.” “It also practically relieves Sky from the heavy capital expenditures that would otherwise be needed to upgrade and expand its own broadband network,” he added. This is seen to bode well for Sky which has P4.5-billion debts, with nearly half due within one year. It also racked up losses amounting to P7.08 billion last year, markedly higher than P391 million in 2022, given the “decline in pay TV customers,” ABS-CBN previously reported. ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, who is also a director at Sky, said this deal was the “best way to move forward and stay focused on delivering superior customer experience.” Earlier this year, Sky was about to sell its broadband business and related assets to PLDT Inc. under a P6.75-billion deal. Both parties eventually decided to terminate the contract without providing specific reasons. The aborted deal, which already secured regulatory approval from the Philippine Competition Commission, would have meant P4 billion in gross proceeds for the media company. ABS-CBN previously said the cash inflow would be used to extinguish financial obligations and fund content creation. Last week, Pampanga-based businessman Dennis Uy’s Comclark Network and Technology Corp.—the controlling shareholder of Converge—signed a memorandum of agreement with Data Lake Inc. to boost satellite connectivity in the country. Data Lake is the country’s reseller and integrator of Starlink, the internet satellite service provider owned by tech mogul Elon Musk. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/470617/debt-saddled-sky-wins-big-in-converge-deal-says-analyst?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR20fO2WOJHiqVP7gqHepGdrrXaMsPsyarITyyE2xWLyQ99AiHoffW925R0_aem_lT1Sz47blRpWRxn8fCIR4g

19th Congress resumes in refurbished halls

Krixia Subingsubing, Marlon Ramos

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:50:00 PST

Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE MANILA, Philippines — A “grand stage for another historic presidential address,” as House Speaker Martin Romualdez described it, was what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. entered on Monday when he delivered his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), while senators also walked into a newly renovated Senate building with the resumption of the 19th Congress. Guests of the presidential address finally saw this “grand stage” up close—a major facelift of the Batasang Pambansa complex, home to the 300-strong House, to the cost of P20 million. Among the biggest changes were the North and South Wing’s fully renovated lobbies—now fully air-conditioned hallways with glass doors. READ: Security preparations for Sona ‘in place’ amid expected protests – PNP These once open-air hallways served as the red carpet area where brand-new touchscreen panels were also set up, displaying information about the Sona and Congress. New chandeliers were also installed in the rear entrance where Marcos entered going into the plenary hall.. There were also multiple LED screens across the Batasan complex for live viewing. Another change was the classy blue terno uniforms worn by the House staff. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said the total budget for the “preparations and execution of the Sona… covers a range of essential expenses to ensure the event’s success.” Apart from the catering itself, the budget covered food and beverages for personnel like the police, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority officers, and other support staff, from the preparatory activities up to the event. “Every peso allocated for the Sona is carefully scrutinized and managed to reflect the significance of this constitutionally mandated event while being conscious of public sentiments regarding the use of [taxpayer] money,” Velasco said. The Senate also had major renovations in time for the resumption of the 19th Congress on Monday. The six-story building, which the Senate has been renting from the Government Service Insurance System, was so brightly lit that it made Sen. JV Ejercito mestizo (fair-skinned), Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said in jest. Sen. Risa Hontiveros also liked the renovations made during the two-month-long recess—from the carpet flooring to the refurbished committee rooms to the paintings borrowed from the National Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. “[A place that looks] bright is good. It should inspire all of us to also make our work better,” she said. According to Senate President Francis Escudero, the Senate shelled out only P2.1 million—amid a review of the ongoing construction of the new Senate building in Taguig City. “We spent very little on these. Actually most of these were only maintenance work and basic rearranging,” Escudero said in a news briefing. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Activists like Bayan president Renato Reyes slammed the “tone-deaf pageantry” associated with the Sona, saying that it showed “how insensitive the ruling regime is to the plight of the people. It has been all image-building and hardly any problem-solving.” News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964067/19th-congress-resumes-in-refurbished-halls?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1RtEGoL2i5cNIHKA3cnaTRvHxsBub7JWImYqFiv8igrTzp-Ad1PWq1hVc_aem_2_LHHjBD3dKW7kuZ42_pfQ

DFA disputes China’s terms for Rore missions

Jane Bautista

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:45:54 PST

This photo taken on August 22, 2023 shows Chinese coast guard ships (L and R) corralling a Philippine civilian boat chartered by the Philippine navy to deliver supplies to Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre in the disputed South China Sea. —photo by Ted Aljibe/Agence France-Presse This photo taken on August 22, 2023 shows Chinese coast guard ships (L and R) corralling a Philippine civilian boat chartered by the Philippine navy to deliver supplies to Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre in the disputed South China Sea. —photo by Ted Aljibe/Agence France-Presse MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disputed on Monday a statement from its Chinese counterpart about the need for prior notification and on-site confirmation before conducting resupply missions in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. “The spokesperson’s statement … regarding prior notification and on-site confirmation is inaccurate,” the DFA said in a statement on Monday, a day after it announced that both sides had reached an “understanding” on a “temporary arrangement” for rotation and resupply missions (Rore) to the BRP Sierra Madre. It was not clear, however if the provisions stated by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) were part of the conditions under the agreement as both parties have yet to release specifics of the deal. READ: West PH Sea: No Ayungin resupply since violent June 17 encounter Responding to inquiries about the agreement, the Chinese MFA, in a statement sent by the Chinese Embassy in Manila around 12:42 a.m. on Monday, reiterated its “principled” position with three main points, primarily its demand for the Philippines to tow away the rusting warship, which serves as a military outpost in the West Philippine Sea. “Between now and when the warship is towed away, should the Philippines need to send living necessities to the personnel living on the warship, China is willing to allow it in a humanitarian spirit if the Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted. China will monitor the entire resupply process,” it said. The Chinese MFA added that Beijing would “absolutely” reject and “resolutely stop” any attempt by Manila to send large amounts of construction materials to the warship and build fixed facilities or permanent outposts. “On the basis of the above principled position, China recently had a series of consultation with the Philippines on managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao (Beijing’s name for Ayungin Shoal) and reached provisional arrangement with the Philippines on humanitarian resupply of living necessities. The two sides agreed to jointly manage maritime differences and work for de-escalation in the South China Sea,” it said. But in a statement released afterward, the DFA called out the “inaccuracy” of the prior notification and on-site confirmation conditions. “The principles and approaches laid out in the agreement were reached through a series of careful and meticulous consultations between both sides that paved the way for a convergence of ideas without compromising national positions,” it said. It also stressed that the agreement was concluded with the clear understanding on both sides that it would not prejudice both countries’ respective national positions. According to the DFA, the Philippines will continue asserting its rights and jurisdiction in its maritime zone, including in Ayungin Shoal, which is within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. “Nonetheless, in our desire to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and to manage differences in a peaceful manner, we emphasize that the agreement was done in good faith and the Philippines remains ready to implement it. We urge China to do the same,” it said. When asked if the arrangement was documented, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza told reporters that the deal was made through an “exchange of notes.” The agreement was reached after a series of consultations following “frank and constructive discussions” between officials during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila on July 2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla; Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea; and Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said they would defer comment on the issue to the DFA. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also declined to comment, saying he would wait for the National Maritime Council to convene and for the DFA to relay the details of the agreement. —with a report from Nestor Corrales For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://www.inquirer.net/409522/dfa-disputes-chinas-terms-for-rore-missions/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1mqyW6tE9nk6V1UIIDITM0Fi-e1u3I1kUEuj6NYFIY2R2GVcXLXSKLync_aem_bRbfGC_hsjUre89LEf_H3Q

Gov’t urged to strengthen policies on HIV stigma

Diana G. Mendoza

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:45:00 PST

Roberto Ruiz shown from the HIV advocacy video played during the AIDS Candlelight Memorial last May at the San Lazaro Hospital —photo by Diana Mendoza Roberto Ruiz shown from the HIV advocacy video played during the AIDS Candlelight Memorial last May at the San Lazaro Hospital —photo by Diana Mendoza (Last of two parts) MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has the highest rate of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Asia-Pacific, with an average 55 people diagnosed with the virus daily, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The country even has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the region, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). READ: Man living with HIV for decades recalls struggle with stigma Its deputy executive director, Christine Stegling, who visited the Philippines last month, described the numbers regarding the Philippines as “disturbingly high,” with almost half the country’s new infections among the youth between ages 15 and 24. “Every hour, there are three new HIV infections in the Philippines. Every day, there are four AIDS-related deaths. Every single one of these is avoidable,” Stegling said. She cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to declaring HIV a national priority and the country’s inclusion in the Global HIV Prevention Coalition of UNAIDS, through which UN member states and other stakeholders are provided prevention services while being held accountable for reaching their targets. But for these efforts to succeed, she urged the government to invest in HIV prevention through increased financing for programs “to address the low HIV knowledge and early unprotected sex among young people” and “key populations” including MSMs (men who have sex with men), transgenders, drug users, inmates and sex workers. Stegling also asked the government to expand HIV services, strengthen community-led prevention, develop a sustainability plan and address stigma and discrimination. On May 6, the DOH released a circular adopting the “U=U” guide to help reduce HIV transmission and remove the stigma associated with the illness. The new messaging, which stands for “Undetectable equals Untransmissible,” aims to promote the finding that persons living with HIV (PLHIV) who achieve and maintain a viral load—the amount of HIV in the blood—at undetectable levels could no longer transmit HIV to others and are at low risk of transmitting the virus to their children. “This provides guidance on the powerful evidence for U=U messaging and the opportunities to destigmatize HIV and promote viral suppression,” stated the DOH circular, which also cited an advisory last year by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO had adopted scientific findings from the 2023 International Conference on HIV Science and 244 studies published in “The Lancet” medical journal. The DOH circular encouraged the active promotion of U=U among health facilities and workers. Dr. Loyd Brendan Norella, program manager of the Philippine Response in Optimizing Testing, Empowered Communities, Treatment and Sustainability (Protects), described the U=U campaign as a powerful tool to help discourage stigma and change mindsets. Protects is a grant recipient of the Global Fund, the world’s largest funder of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programs. “With other new developments, the U=U campaign will hopefully lead to a more enlightened approach to more people undergoing HIV testing, better adherence to treatment and health care and better mindsets,” he said. Other “tools” that people may avail themselves of include self-testing and rapid testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis—a pill taken to prevent getting HIV from sexual contact and injecting drug use—and post-exposure prophylaxis, which prevents contracting the virus even when one is exposed. Norella said it is important to “flip the narrative” by creating spaces for people to tell their stories and claim their rights. It is just as crucial to help people stay away from internalized or self-stigma that manifests in self-loathing and self-blaming. “Feeling unlovable makes people to not seek medical assistance and to not adhere to medication for those under treatment,” he said. Professor Yvonne Gilleece, chair of the British HIV Association, called on journalists, policymakers, and academics to “use compassionate words that can build dignity. Be kind, be inclusive.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “We’re still a long way to remove the stigmatizing situations and incidents, but I would like to encourage changing our language,” she said in an online forum on the importance of language in HIV response, held in the run-up to the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich this week. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964074/govt-urged-to-strengthen-policies-on-hiv-stigma?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2aSjVsERS2cZVJH-_ci4xLHICjQ7JiuLI1g0s5d-xpqnnSfmHVzAuY4qg_aem_iKVqSQQtovaMDEf2nnqeig

PBA: Best way to judge four-point shot is by the game

Musong R. Castillo

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:30:00 PST

Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome during Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome during Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net OSAKA—There was a lot of reaction from fans, good and bad ones, on the decision of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) board to implement a four-point distance for the league’s 49th season. But the true measure of the new rule, one that will be the barometer if it will stay for the long-term, will be the games themselves. “We will look to see if the rule will create more exciting games,” Alfrancis Chua, the San Miguel sports director and Barangay Ginebra governor who was elected board vice chair, told the Inquirer on Monday here. READ: PBA leaves door open for four-point shot The PBA board ended what most of its members said was their “most tiring, very fruitful” planning session the same day, confident that it has found the formula to stay as the best sports entertainment show back home. “I think we have a pretty good handle on it,” Ricky Vargas, the TNT representative who was elected to another term as board chair, told reporters. “We are remodeling our house in order to build a new one.” The four-point shot will be put in place for the first time when the 49th Season opens next month, and it’s the biggest of four rules changes the league will adopt to make the games faster and more interesting to its fans. There was a lot of conversation on social media among fans and experts about the new rule, but Chua said the best way to judge the four-point shot would be the number of close games it creates.“When you’re down, hitting that shot can help a lot and it could make games more exciting,” Chua said. “That’s what we want to see.” Vargas had talked at length on Sunday in admitting that the league has a problem as far as live attendance is concerned, and the members of the board spent hours of lively discussions and debate at Swissotel here to come up with ideas to address that. READ: PBA: There’s a problem that needs fixing, says chair Ricky Vargas They all agreed that something is wrong with the brand, and the four-point shot is one way of solving that. Chua also said that players—starting this season—will be more available for interaction with the fans. “This is not for us, this is for them (the fans),” Chua said as he will personally make sure that this is executed fully. “Look, fans pay good money to watch their idols. They also would want to shake their hands at the very least, or even have photos with them. “And I will make sure that our players know that and do that, as well,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix was elected to another term as treasurer, while Ogie Narvasa, the former PABL commissioner, is now formally onboard as the new board secretary. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://sports.inquirer.net/575784/pba-best-way-to-judge-four-point-shot-is-by-the-games?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3pxAbja9Geop99GGzPREIKhRuBQXd9D7S_36NQ4DcM4EZJ6DnKMP1gwKs_aem_eIcAq1XSZrEVdwTguZx1LQ

Senators laud Marcos’ Sona pronouncements

Charie Mae Abarca, Charie Mae F. Abarca

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:00:09 PST

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero —Senate PRIB Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero —Senate PRIB MANILA, Philippine — “It was honest, truthful and comprehensive. “ These were the words used by Senate President Francis Escudero to describe President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona). In a text message to reporters, Escudero said among the highlights of the speech include the first 10 minutes devoted to rice, agriculture, food security, the West Philippine Sea, and ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators. “I commend the President for an excellent and perfectly delivered speech  that showed and proved that he listens and cares for the Filipino,” said Escudero. READ: Sona 2024: Marcos’ most explosive, emotional yet Former Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, on the other hand, was ecstatic when he thanked Marcos for supposedly “heading the people’s voices, for carefully analyzing sound data, and for concluding” that Pogo has no rightful place in Philippine society. “The President did not disappoint our countrymen. We agree with the President’s statement that evil triumphs when good men do nothing. Thus, we continue to call for the prohibition not only of Pogos but all forms of online gambling in the country. Likewise, we urge the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to promptly enforce the President’s directive,” said Villanueva. For his part, Sen. Lito Lapid said the President’s Sona showcased problems that the Philippine government must address. “The progress of the various programs reported by President Bongbong gives us hope for a better future and challenges us to do our part to ensure that we achieve the goals of these programs,” said Lapid. “We in the Senate are ready to face this challenge to legislate the necessary policies so that our government can succeed in serving our countries,” he added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964130/senators-laud-marcos-sona-pronouncements?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3fsH9J3z4Ew-ss419b5X9-0XfHxWANEznWMCjnHFeKGb1Rcu578b2AW6Q_aem_Gzdp3HUt3GLW4onb8kmRBQ

All set for second San Juanico bridge

Joey Gabieta

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:35:00 PST

ICONIC SPAN San Juanico Bridge, shown in this March 2023 photo, is an iconic 2.1-kilometer span connecting the islands of Leyte and Samar across the San Juanico Strait. —Patrick Roque/contributor ICONIC SPAN San Juanico Bridge, shown in this March 2023 photo, is an iconic 2.1-kilometer span connecting the islands of Leyte and Samar across the San Juanico Strait. —Patrick Roque/contributor TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — The proposed second San Juanico Bridge connecting the islands of Leyte and Samar is expected to start civil works within the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Edgar Tabacon, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Eastern Visayas director, however, said the bridge’s completion could extend to the next administration. “We want this San Juanico Bridge II to be completed during the term of President Marcos, but considering the long process it would take, we expect a spillover into the next administration,” he said in an interview. READ: DPWH says 2nd San Juanico Bridge to be located in Tacloban Tabacon said the national government would need additional funds from a foreign firm given the substantial funding required for the project. The DPWH previously reported that at least P9.17 billion would be needed for the proposed San Juanico Bridge II project, which would be built parallel to the existing 2.1-kilometer San Juanico Bridge. The feasibility study for the project is being conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica). The study includes considerations such as the number of lanes, traffic operations, options for the second bridge and the rehabilitation of the existing San Juanico Bridge. Tabacon said it is likely that Japanese technology would be used in the construction of the proposed San Juanico Bridge II given Jica’s involvement in the feasibility study. San Juanico Bridge, constructed in 1969 and completed in 1972 during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of the incumbent President, links Tacloban City in Leyte province to Sta. Rita town in Samar province. It was inaugurated on July 2, 1973, in time for the birthday of former first lady Imelda Marcos, who is from Leyte. It is a major landmark, a tourist attraction in Eastern Visayas, and considered the country’s longest bridge until the 8.9-km Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu was completed in 2021. The second bridge was initially planned to be built from Leyte’s Babatngon town to Sta. Rita in Samar but planners decided on a parallel bridge instead since Tacloban is the region’s regional center. According to Tabacon, a parallel second bridge is more practical since building a Babatngon-Sta. Rita span will make the bridge longer. “The shorter the distance, the lower the cost,” Tabacon said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. A second San Juanico Bridge is meant to address future traffic congestion as the economy of the region grows, officials said. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964028/all-set-for-second-san-juanico-bridge?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3NfJwNXO5Hyr5_MKUyRDLX38QoS4Ned8g8AlBZTGTSX4ys3lP0wD4_JsQ_aem_0XW43aW0KCCBFQlFkEbyZg

Money comes in for national athletes as investment, not just bonus

June Navarro

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:05:00 PST

Photos of the Philippine bets for the Paris Olympics 2024 on display during the Olympics send off hosted by POC and Cignal, the official broadcast partner for the Summer Games. –Cignal TV PHOTO Photos of the Philippine bets for the Paris Olympics 2024 on display during the Olympics send off hosted by POC and Cignal, the official broadcast partner for the Summer Games. –Cignal TV PHOTO The bonuses that await Filipino medalists of the 2024 Paris Olympics have already been documented, with the likes of Hidilyn DIaz-Naranjo, the country’s first gold medalist in the Summer Games’ history, and silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio benefiting from the windfall that followed their feats. What’s new for the latest batch of Olympians is not the bonuses that await them. It’s the fact that both public and private sectors have invested in the athletes before they even begin competing in the glamorous French capital. Malacañang has pledged €100 per day (roughly P6,400) for every athlete, counting the days that they are spending in a preparation camp in Metz, where several of them settled in as early as last month. “It’s really a big help for all athletes and officials there,’’ said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who after the Tokyo Olympics said he would push for financial support for the athletes as an investment and not just as a bonus. Already, the Olympians have received P500,000 each and have gotten financial backing from private companies even before the Olympics officially starts on July 26. “This is a different level. The mood of our athletes is incomparable at the training camp. They’ve all leveled up and in very high spirits,’’ said Tolentino, hoping to surpass the nation’s medal record in Tokyo 2021, where Team Philippines scored a gold, two silvers and a bronze. Aside from Diaz’s breakthrough gold and the silvers of Petecio and Paalam, Eumir Marcial contributed a bronze in boxing. Petecio, Paalam and Marcial are back for another shot at Olympic glory, with other viable medalists including world No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo. Joining them are fellow boxers Hergie Bacyadan, Aira Villegas, lifters Elreen Ando, Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza, fencer Samantha Catantan, rower Joanie Delgaco and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, who are all accounted for in Metz. “Definitely, we will deliver. With this template, with this preparation, we will surpass the Tokyo record,’’ said Tolentino. Gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar have checked in as well along with swimmer Jarod Hatch. Golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina will play in a tournament near Paris before joining the camp. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://sports.inquirer.net/575781/different-now-money-comes-in-for-national-athletes-as-investment-not-just-bonus?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR32pwGtjgKp6o9QizA93QbRgRNIg6lWGFItJvsj_4xO47W_fF1qQX6yxy8_aem_EEMxzf21Spi0wF6oFbT2GQ

In Cotabato, hog industry loses P15.8M to ASF

Williamor Magbanua

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:30:00 PST

Inquirer file photos/Jerome Cristobal Inquirer file photos/Jerome Cristobal KIDAPAWAN CITY, COTABATO, Philippines — The Provincial Veterinary Office in the province of Cotabato reported the resurgence of African swine fever (ASF), causing about at least P15.8 million in damages to the local hog industry this month, local authorities said on Monday. Eliseo Mangliwan, the ASF focal person in the province, on Monday said ASF cases had affected 24 villages in the towns of Tulunan, Makilala, President Roxas, Antipas, Pigcawayan and Matalam and the province’s capital town Kidapawan City, affecting 156 hog raisers. He clarified, however, the cases were still considered “manageable” and could not yet be considered an outbreak because it affected mostly isolated and remote villages. READ: ASF vaccine ready for government use by September – DA He said this was the third wave of ASF infection in the province, after similar cases occurred in 2019 and 2022. He said blood sampling of infected pigs in Antipas in June confirmed the infection, followed by Makilala and other towns in the first week of July. Local officials immediately conducted culling in Barangays Poblacion and Magsaysay in Antipas on June 25. At least 183 pigs were also culled in Kidapawan City on Saturday, according to Dr. Eugene Gornez, the city veterinarian. To prevent the spread of the disease, the Kidapawan City Veterinary Office has prohibited the transport of pork and pork products from the affected areas, particularly from the city’s Barangay Singao, while in nearby Makilala town, the mayor halted the sale of pork meat in their public market, which explained the absence of pork meat there on Monday. Gornez said they also suspended the slaughtering of hogs in the city’s slaughterhouse. Mangliwan said authorities were yet to identify the source of the infection, especially as most of the affected hog raisers had strictly followed biosecurity protocols, including the setting up of nets, walls and foot baths within their piggeries as protection against diseases in the hog industry. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964024/in-cotabato-hog-industry-loses-p15-8m-to-asf?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3gFSM9o9IGDKYrajwNAmaW18bZhMumdStavnA_DLXzKJArapbm0oHinIg_aem_kCxxK6Q-EaDOTMH5ffLwTQ

Marcos receives 2 standing ovations during Sona

Luisa Cabato

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 03:14:40 PST

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) serves not only as a platform for him to report on his administration’s achievements but also as an opportunity for the audience to express their enthusiasm for the milestones or promises they find most exciting.During Marcos’ one-hour and 21-minute Sona on Monday afternoon, various societal issues and accomplishments were discussed. READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’ However, some of the most notable announcements were the decision to ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) and the reaffirmation of the Philippines’ jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). “Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas (The West Philippine Sea is not just a figment of our imagination. It is ours. And it will remain ours, as long as the spirit of our beloved country, the Philippines, burns bright.),” he said. READ: Marcos: West Philippine Sea not an imagination, it will always be ours This declaration earned the president a standing ovation and enthusiastic applause from the attendees. Moreover, the crowd also stood from their seats, applauded, and cheered when Marcos announced the banning of all Pogos. “Effective today, all Pogos are banned,” Marcos said. “I hereby instruct the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease the operations of Pogos by the end of the year,” he added. Attendees could not help but cheer on this development. “BBM! BBM!” They exclaimed. Aside from that, Marcos was also welcomed with a 30-second round of applause when he was introduced by House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez for his Sona. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964127/marcos-receives-2-standing-ovations-during-sona?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0xVlaVN32DDzxT4AOa2tEzqR3ZLmA6zJRGHjaikkV7OYfExtxqIpo_C80_aem_1VqPyW2QEO2-E5j8P0UCog

PVL: Minus Fifi Sharma, Akari looks to provide Oly a lot of help

Karl Henry Agbugay

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:20:00 PST

Akari Chargers in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net Akari Chargers in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net The Akari Chargers aced their first-day assignment in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, even without the services of key starter Fifi Sharma. Sharma, the third best blocker during the All-Filipino Conference last May, is unavailable due to her commitments to Alas Pilipinas. But Akari captain Michelle Cobb said the team has been adjusting well to the middle blocker’s absence.“Definitely, we feel the loss of Fifi,” Cobb told the Inquirer after the Chargers shut down the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, 25-14, last Thursday. “But … I’m proud that my teammates stepped up.” SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference “We were able to make things work during the offseason even though we were short-handed. There were some key additions to the team, which also helped fill the gaps in our roster.” Aside from American reinforcement Oly Akaro, who delivered 16 points in her PVL debut, the Chargers also had ample support from their acquisitions from sister team Nxled. Ivy Lacsina led in scoring with a game-high 20 points, all on attacks, while returning player Camille Victoria took over Sharma’s starting role and contributed seven points and two blocks. READ: PVL: Fifi Sharma excited to play with ‘inspiration’ Ced Domingo Cobb emphasized the importance of a balanced offense in an import-flavored conference.“Now, almost every ball is given to the import. Coach Taka (Minowa) stresses that for Akari, it shouldn’t just be … the Oly show. He wants everyone to contribute points for the team,” Cobb said. The Chargers will need to find the A-game quick. Akari returns to action on Tuesday against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, who are raring to bounce back from an opening-day loss. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://sports.inquirer.net/575783/minus-fifi-chargers-look-to-provide-oly-a-lot-of-help?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR27zRnDqnrMmPtIs-qXTjJ5OYMH1e-1dKeuusNzslIbJV_sWtMlvHAu5vw_aem_dKvCejN7tMfB4J1-77jlqA

2 senators hail Pogo ban order, but hearings will continue

Charie Mae F. Abarca

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:44:20 PST

Sen. Risa Hontiveros —SENATE PRIB Sen. Risa Hontiveros —SENATE PRIB MANILA, Philippines — Two senators rejoiced on Monday after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos), even the legal ones, are banned in the country. For her part, Senate Deputy Minority floor leader Risa Hontiveros said Marcos’ pronouncement is a huge victory for the whole country. READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’ “As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women who led the investigation about the crimes linked to Pogo, I cannot express the joy and comfort that I felt when Pogo was finally banned in the country,” said Hontiveros in a statement. To prove her point, Hontiveros said Pogos have  brought innumerable and unspeakable social ills into the country. “This is an important first of many steps that we must take in order to make accountable those who allowed these crimes (that these Pogos brought) to proliferate here in our country,” said Hontiveros. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, praised Marcos for the latter’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) speech. “I commend the President for an excellent and perfectly delivered speech that showed and proved that he listens and cares for the Filipino [people],”  said Gatchalian. Despite Marcos’ Pogo pronouncement, both Hontiveros and Gatchalian emphasized Senate hearings on Pogo will continue to demand accountability.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964132/2-senators-hail-pogo-ban-order-but-hearings-will-continue?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1e2_3Q-l6yWkyqMwIUlTMwQpgW0seVaaMbF581MBGwZDrGd6IzrzERfKQ_aem_Y3h4yyhzyA_HuMP7f4vfeQ

Guo skips DOJ hearing on trafficking case

Jane Bautista

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:25:00 PST

Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo —Marianne Bermudez Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo —Marianne Bermudez MANILA, Philippines — Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo snubbed anew on Monday the preliminary investigation being conducted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the trafficking charge filed against her and 13 others, the second one this month. Fortunately for her, state prosecutors submitted a supplemental affidavit to include an additional respondent and four complainants in the case, extending her deadline for filing a counteraffidavit to Aug. 6—“a new opportunity to explain her side to the proper forum,” according to Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty. “Most of [the respondents] appeared but Mayor Guo, Dennis Cunanan and then the foreign respondents, they were not there but were represented by a lawyer,” Ty, who heads the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, told reporters in an interview. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the DOJ on June 21, alleging that Guo and the other respondents were involved in the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hubs in Baofu compound in Tarlac province. Her co-respondents are former government official and pork barrel scam convict Cunanan, Zhang Ruijin, Baoying Lin, Rachelle Joan Carreon, Huang Zhiyang, Thelma Laranan, Rowena Evangelista, Rita Yturralde, Merlie Joy Castro, Yu Zheng Can, Jaimielyn Cruz, Roderick Paul Pujante and Juan Miguel Alpas. Authorities claimed the Pogo hub, Hongshen Technology, which subsequently became Zun Yuan Technology, facilitated forced labor, human trafficking, online fraud, and investment scams. Ty, meanwhile, said the additional respondent allegedly recruited people to work in the Pogo hubs. As for the four additional complainants, they would “prove the scamming activities” in the Pogo hubs, PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said. “They will also prove that they are not able to leave the area freely, they are imprisoned there, they are only given one day to get out; and there is also a deduction in their wages,” he added. Aside from the trafficking charge, Guo is also facing arrest for repeatedly snubbing recent Senate hearings on the Pogo industry. In a Facebook post last week, the suspended Bamban mayor said she was “ready to face” the allegations against her “in a fair trial and at [the] proper forum.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964072/guo-skips-doj-hearing-on-trafficking-case?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1DtSVDWp53n2zq9Fyapwxv5qUVT_Gkg3Yr6rgBADCg2FvUWD5EU_qvMYY_aem_HSHOwhC2atxLk2gwxb7KkQ

Carina halts air, sea trips in parts of Luzon

Inquirer Luzon

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:40:00 PST

DAMAGED PROTECTION Emergency responders in Baguio City start clearing on Monday afternoon the eroded riprap in Barangay Gabriela Silang following strong rains dumped by Typhoon “Carina.” —Baguio Public Information Office photo DAMAGED PROTECTION Emergency responders in Baguio City start clearing on Monday afternoon the eroded riprap in Barangay Gabriela Silang following strong rains dumped by Typhoon “Carina.” —Baguio Public Information Office photo BASCO, BATANES, Philippines — Air and sea travel across some parts of northern and southern Luzon were suspended on Monday amid bad weather spawned by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi). The province of Batanes and parts of Cagayan and Isabela provinces were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 on Monday due to the heavy rainfall and strong winds caused by the weather disturbance. Carina, which earlier on Monday was categorized as a severe tropical depression, intensified into a typhoon as it was “meandering over the Philippine Sea,” according to the 5 p.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). READ: ‘Habagat’ displaces more than 600,000 even as ‘Carina’ stays offshore Signal No. 1 was hoisted over the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca, Lal-Lo, Gonzaga), including the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Camiguin Island, Babuyan Islands). Also under Signal No. 1 was the northeastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon). Pagasa said these areas experienced winds ranging from 39 to 61 kilometers per hour (kph) in at least 36 hours or intermittent rains. The storm forced the cancellation of some domestic flights, including those of Philippine Airlines Express, Cebu Pacific, and CebGo to and from Basco in Batanes, Tuguegarao City, and Cagayan, according to the Manila International Airport Authority. Roldan Esdicul, chief of the Batanes Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said Skypasada flights to Tuguegarao had also been canceled on Monday. He said boat trips to and from Itbayat had been suspended indefinitely due to the rough seas. In Bataan province, village officials in Orani town said only a few fishermen went out to fish within the municipal waters for fear that strong waves would destroy their motorboats. Floodwaters also seeped into houses in Orani’s coastal villages of Pantalan Luma and Wawa. Fishermen there refrained from going out to fish due to the heavy rains and powerful waves. In Samal town, also in Bataan, floods damaged newly planted palay (rice plants) due to the heavy downpour. Houses there were also not spared by rushing floodwater from nearby rice fields. In Bataan’s Dinalupihan town, rice and other agricultural crops were partially damaged by floodwaters, the damage cost of which has yet to be reported by the local agriculture office. The Bataan PDRRMO has yet to release reports on the damage and status of flooded areas in Bataan. In Olongapo City, strong winds toppled electric posts while heavy rains threatened to spawn flooding in its low-lying areas. According to the city’s DRRMO, around 7.5 to 15 millimeters of rainfall were observed in Olongapo. In Pampanga province, the PDRRMO operations center and command and control center have been placed under Alpha Protocol or at low-risk due to Carina, according to PDRRMO head Angelina Blanco. The PDRRMO had prepositioned equipment and placed personnel on standby around the clock, said Blanco in a 1:30 p.m. report on Monday. Local DRRMOs in Pampanga were also monitoring the situations in 19 towns and cities, especially coastal areas along the Pampanga River, the main drain of Central Luzon to Manila Bay. In Baguio City, the incessant rains caused soil erosion in Barangay Gabriela Silang, damaging the rock riprap near a residential area but no one was reported injured. Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong asked residents to prepare for “abnormally heavy rainfall” due to the enhanced monsoon rains as he cautioned the public against indiscriminately throwing garbage to prevent this from ending up into drain outlets that could cause widespread flooding. In Albay, Gov. Edcel Greco Lagman suspended all outdoor and water activities on Monday due to heavy rains and the effects of the southwest monsoon. Lagman advised the public to avoid crossing the river and low-lying areas due to expected river swelling and flooding. Fishermen using small seacrafts were also asked to avoid venturing into the sea. According to the governor, all local officials could implement localized evacuations if needed, especially in areas that are prone to lahar, floods, and landslides. The Pagasa Southern Luzon issued a yellow rainfall warning in Albay at 11 a.m. due to heavy rains that could trigger flooding in low-lying areas. Moderate rains were also expected in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate and Marinduque. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended sea travel for small vessels in the northern part of Quezon province due to rough sea conditions on Monday. In an advisory, the PCG in Quezon cited the 8 a.m. forecast by Pagasa that moderate to rough seas are expected to affect the eastern seaboards of northern Quezon, particularly in Patnanungan and Jomalig Islands, due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Carina. This meant that all trips by vessels with a gross tonnage of 250 or less, like motorized passenger or fishing boats in the northern Quezon part of the Pacific Ocean, were suspended. The suspension order would be lifted, and sea travel for small seacraft may be resumed when weather or sea conditions permit, as may be declared by Pagasa, the PCG said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Carina was last tracked 420 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, slowly moving north northwestward. It packed a maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 150 km/h. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964027/carina-halts-air-sea-trips-in-parts-of-luzon?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR29Wuta9EiTuQuew89ADmeOP_x4tW3SJ-jXY0-TZUSf6BLzK8V0mnqkZXE_aem_dIzDW5qXhLWondUfidvCyQ

Typhoon Carina puts more areas under wind signal No. 1

John Eric Mendoza

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 23:23:30 PST

MANILA, Philippines — More areas are placed under tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 on Monday night due to Typhoon Carina, state meteorologists said. These eight areas are expected to have 39 to 61 kilometers per hour (km/h) wind speed, which causes minimal to minor threat to life and property, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa)’s 11 p.m. update: READ: Carina intensifies into typhoon; Signal no. 1 up in 4 Luzon areas Pagasa said the typhoon was last spotted 375 kilometers east northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 160 km/h. Carina will remain far from the Philippine landmass, and is forecast to make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan between Wednesday evening or Thursday morning before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility hours later, according to Pagasa. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964047/typhoon-carina-puts-more-areas-under-wind-signal-no-1?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1aTlr1qKf_M0YoE3TFw0wtHyfp7wb_5i3khIwKBGkMp3EFgQ_WMsQu-RA_aem_kpTvQ-z3bcHiAj_nWJlFiA

This 31-year-old record-setting powerlifter from Ormoc is unshakeable

No author found

2024-06-04T07:53:10+00:00

Regie Ramirez has just set a new record. To be clear: It’s the Asian and National Open record for an equipped deadlift in his weight class (59 kg)—he lifted 265.5 kg. Equipped powerlifting simply means he was wearing special equipment, such as a deadlift singlet. The world record was actually 275 kg, and he’s already lifted that much in his training, but he casually claims that that day, May 6, 2024, was just not his day. So he settled for the Asian record and a gold medal. Oh, and a bronze and a National Open record in the squat with 242.5 kg, and bronze in the bench with 145 kg. “I’m not looking for reasons or bringing out alibis, but I think it was the travel,” Ramirez explains to me at the therapy room at Pace Prehab and Recovery in BGC. “Two days before the competition, our flight was canceled, and we had to go back home. Then we got moved to a later date, then we arrived in Hong Kong and only got to rest at midnight.” Anyone who goes to the gym knows that you may not be able to move your heaviest weight all the time. A lot of factors go into how you feel and how strong you are on a certain day—energy, sleep, food, hydration, the vibes—and when they’re off, they’re just off. And off for a powerlifter means you simply can’t hit the technique and move the weight on cue like you’re supposed to. But the records and the medals? Just another day on the stage for a low-key powerhouse in Ramirez. He tells me, when I ask how confident he was about hitting the goal he set and breaking the record he sought to break, that he knew he was going to nail it. The 31-year-old champion powerlifter, proud coach, powerlifting referee, former PE teacher, and former ballet dancer from Ormoc, Leyte says he didn’t feel any surprise or shock in shattering the record. Because in his head, it was already done. The achievement was already earned. It just had to unfold in reality, away from his imagination, at a later point in time, the Asian Men’s Equipped Powerlifting Championships. “It’s nothing. I feel nothing. Every day, I knew it. I felt it every time I woke up. Not to brag, but in my mind, ganito talaga siya—I can always do it anytime, anywhere,” Ramirez says. “I’m happy and I’m supposed to be thankful, because you should be thankful. But personally, if you ask me now, I’m only in it for the world record.” He knows how that comes off, so he’s quick to explain himself further. “If you say, ‘Ah, that’s a bad mindset,’ it’s not a bad mindset. Because you have to aim high. It’s not like you’re being overconfident. You can fail, and everybody can say bad things about you—I was overconfident about this and that. But only you know and understand what you really want. Do not be derailed and be distracted by what you hear. You only have to focus on the people who help you and what you really want to do. I think that’s what separates you from good and great. And I wanna be great.” It helps that Ramirez isn’t competitive with anyone but himself. It’s just him and his goals on the same road, and only the preparation is standing in the way, the obstacles in front of the finish line. There are targets he needs to hit in his training, and the wins mean he manages to hit all of them, all of which keeps him confident. “My confidence comes from the preparation. I tried so hard, I even hit it in my training. Na-lift ko talaga siya.” he says. “If I went 10 tries, I hit the lift once in 10 tries, I only need one and I’ll forever say ‘I did it, I did it.’ Then you think that I’ll stop there? I’m not stopping there. I go more and more and more. Again, he knows how this sounds, and is quick to distinguish his mindset. “You can be so focused, but don’t let your guard down. If anything, don’t be cocky because confidence is different from being cocky.” Simply put: Confidence is doing all the work. So now that he’s set a new Asian record, what’s next for Regie Ramirez? Well, the answer is simple—in fact, it was in front of me this whole time: The world record he didn’t get to hit in Hong Kong, 275 kg. Like he said, if he’s hit it once, then the moment’s forever immortalized. And with Ramirez, because it’s already happened before, it’s as good as done; it just needs to happen when it finally counts. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/55258/regie-ramirez-powerlifter-is-unshakeable/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR18viivH_OCjF3GSs6z8ltiIrcnsd2946GvZy0xB97mC4Q3DE5at9s9Fmk_aem_oTiD1yptbgeLQaK67_zm2Q

We are ready to ensure VP’s safety, security – PSC

Zacarian Sarao

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:29:55 PST

Vice President Sara Duterte —Official Facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte Vice President Sara Duterte —Official Facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Security Command (PSC) on Tuesday committed to ensuring the security of Vice President Sara Duterte. The PSC made the pronouncement after the Philippine National Police pulled out 75 members of Duterte’s police protection. READ: VP Duterte: PNP pulls out 75 cops assigned for my security “The [PSC] is ready to ensure the security and safety of the Vice President,” PSC Commander Brig. Gen. Nelson Morales told Malacañang reporters. According to Police chief Rommel Marbil, the PNP pulled out its officers in Duterte’s security detail as it is no longer under the PNP, but the PSC. He explained that the withdrawn officers will instead be used to address the PNP’s shortage of personnel, especially in Metro Manila. Duterte, for her part, confirmed the withdrawal of her police security and assured the public that it will not affect her job as Vice President. A Commission on Audit report of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022 showed that there are 433 members of Duterte’s Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group. These 433 members make up the 683 total number of personnel in the OVP, also based on the same report. Both Duterte and the OVP have yet to confirm how many security personnel Duterte has left. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964482/we-are-ready-to-ensure-vps-safety-security-psc?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Qtd51o1nqeHWVZu02Dnu7PrMSLdCqSTslGZePg5_RrMU19ME0ivXgPsU_aem_LmXbPaiczgJ1r3JAXTrdyQ

PAOCC: Woman linked to Porac Pogo may also be a Chinese national

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:45:04 PST

Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez —official website of the House of Representatives/congress.gov.ph Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez —official website of the House of Representatives/congress.gov.ph MANILA, Philippines — A woman who holds a 58 percent stake in the land where the raided Pampanga Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) sits is also believed to be a Chinese national—availing of the same scheme used by suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. This was the revelation made by Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz during the House of Representatives’ investigation on Tuesday, adding that Whirlwind Corp. incorporator Cassandra Li Ong’s parents availed of the late registration method. Whirlwind Corp. leased a 10-hectare land inside the Grand Palazzo Royale in Porac, Pampanga to Lucky South, a company that operated the Pogo in the area. READ: Mayor Alice Guo is also Chinese woman Guo Hua Ping, NBI confirms The issue of Ong’s citizenship was brought up by Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairperson of the House committee on public order and safety, who showed a local birth certificate indicating that Ong is a Filipino. However, another document showed that Ong’s father is a Chinese national. “Before we proceed, I need to show something […] we’ll validate the birth certificate so that we can confirm now that Cassandra Li Ong is a Chinese (citizen), because they were able to get a (birth certificate),” Fernandez said. READ: Sounds familiar? Chinoy businessman’s story draws comparisons to Alice Guo “Katherine Cassandra Li Ong is Chinese, her father is Richard Ong Chao, and then another birth certificate of his father shows that he is Chinese […] so basically that’s the problem, we have a problem with PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority), okay, regarding availing for late registration,” he added. When Fernandez asked how Ong got a Filipino citizenship, Cruz explained that Ong’s case has drawn similarities to the scheme availed by Guo—where her birth is registered late at the registry, and that old childbirth methods were used, plus both individuals’ traditional midwives are dead. “As to the modus on how Cassandra Li Ong gained her Filipino citizenship sir, this is the same with suspended Mayor Alice Guo, what they used is the late registration of birth certificate at usually—even in the birth certificate of Cassandra Li Ong—we can see that a midwife assisted in their birth. And both midwives are dead,” Cruz said. “So this is the same modus operandi being used, and si Cassandra Li Ong, she was born in 2000 and late registration was done in 2001. It was registered with the PSA and that was placed at her baptismal certificate niya,” he added. READ: Pogo probe: Guo, 2 other Bamban execs suspended According to Cruz, Ong may have been a year old already when she was brought into the Philippines in 2000. “Most likely sir, our assumption here is that Cassandra Li Ong was born in China, brought here to the Philippines when she was one year old, and then availed of late registration,” he explained. Fernandez meanwhile noted that legality of Whirlwind Corp. is now questionable as Ong having Chinese citizenship would boost the stake owned by foreigners to 98 percent—violating limits on foreign ownership. “So basically she has a 58 percent stake, plus 10 percent for the other Chinese national, and then another 10 percent for the second Chinese national — it appears that they control 98 percent, two Filipinos have one percent each,” he said. “So basically that property belongs to the government,” he added. Guo has been on the hot seat ever since a Senate panel established her links to the Pogo in Bamban, Tarlac, which was raided last March 13 due to human trafficking complaints. According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Guo has links to the Pogo because she has business interests in Baofu Land Development Inc., which leased the land to Zun Yuan—the company operating the Pogo in the area. DILG said Baofu, as represented by Guo who was president of the company, purchased eight parcels of land in Bamban last February 2019. Guo claims to have divested ownership of Baofu, but DILG believes the amount she divested it for—P2.5 million— was “grossly incongruent to her investment on Baufo which is approximately eight hectares of land”. This is not the first time however that the House stumbled on a case similar to Guo: last June 19, members of the House committee on dangerous drugs quizzed Henry Bigay, president of local electrical and light company Omni Philippines, as he was discovered having both a Philippine and a Chinese passport. Lawmakers eventually compared Bigay’s case to Guo’s, noting that both were registered late, were raised solely by a Chinese father, and were owning two passports. They also pointed out that Bigay’s father, Yatai International Corporation founder Yang Hua Hong, was not listed as his father in his Philippine birth certificate. Only Bigay’s mother, a certain Maria Luisa Bigay, was listed as his parent, but Bigay admitted to having been raised by his father. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) announced a total ban on all Pogos, citing the problems that the games have brought into the country. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Earlier, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said he has directed House leaders and officials to quickly craft a bill that will impose a total ban on Pogos.  Romualdez said a law may be necessary despite Marcos’ announcement, to ensure that the ban stays even after the President’s term. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964479/paocc-woman-linked-to-porac-pogo-may-also-be-a-chinese-national?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2t0ZwoIMwl47pRF-bWL2fuDIDEJ5VUZP5LUnxbkDAOQWpcK8rENelRB7w_aem_zHIcRpCRYst6Cs1eQEYkzA

PVL: Capital1 import lauds Filipinos’ passionate style of play

Lance Agcaoili

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:40:32 PST

Marina Tushova lead Capital1 Solar Spikers against Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL Reinforced Conference. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net Marina Tushova lead Capital1 Solar Spikers against Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL Reinforced Conference. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — Marina Tushova got candid about her views on Philippine volleyball as she enjoys her first stint in the country with Capital1 in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference. Tushova unleashed an all-around game of 24 points, 10 digs, and nine excellent receptions as Capital1 shocked two-time defending champion Petro Gazz, 26-24, 25-20, 25-18, on Tuesday night at Philsports Arena. The Russian spiker admitted the level of play in the Philippines is not as high as the other countries she has played in including her home country, France, and Switzerland, but she had all good things to say about the Filipinos’ passion for the sport. “Sorry if it’s going to be rude so it’s not that high quality like sets, passing. But Filipino always wants the best of everything and you enjoy the game and you have a big desire,” said Tushova. “You’ll never know how a team plays against you like today you know no one [thought] that we’re going play like this but we were starving our win and we did it.” SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference The 25-year-old import credited the franchise’s biggest win in the PVL yet to the hunger of the Solar Spikers, who improved to a 1-1 record in Pool B, to change their fortunes. “I didn’t hope too much before the game so I like it more calmly but the Filipino people are always so happy and enjoying sharing these emotions so I was like [thankful]  but I just need to be focused today,” Tushova said. “We were just starving in the game [to get] the win. We didn’t think about what we’re gonna get win or lose. We want to play, we want to fight and we showed it. Thank you so much to my team.” Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb is grateful to have Tushova on their side and he is hoping his local players learn a lot from the import for their future conferences. “Happy ako dito sa grupo ng mga players na ‘to. Marina after this conference will be leaving but she will be leaving us a good example for the All-Filipino Conference. These players will learn many things from Marina and I hope they learn it and put it in their hearts. Lalakas pa kami,” said Gorayeb. Capital1 seeks to carry its huge momentum against Cignal on Saturday. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://sports.inquirer.net/576003/pvl-capital1-import-lauds-filipinos-passionate-style-of-play?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2x7zh01ZX9IFl_2sw5Lut6eHI3kEdk5CnsywVnJ7SQCj_o34GgvOiXkQY_aem_16lkGFmRKmx8vLjQ0VhwxA

Willa Galvez bags two golds in Thailand fencing tilt

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:30:00 PST

University of the East fencers (from left) Yuna Canlas, Willa Galvez and Elise Acuzar show their medals. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO University of the East fencers (from left) Yuna Canlas, Willa Galvez and Elise Acuzar show their medals. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Willa Galvez of University of the East won two gold medals in the Thailand Fencing Festival Minime and Veterans Championships 2024 held over the weekend at Diamond Hall in Zeer Rangsit, Thailand. “I’m happy to win,” the 13-year-old Galvez, who was coming off a training camp in Taiwan, said of her feat. “It was perfect timing that after the Taiwan training camp we joined a tournament in Thailand. It gave me confidence and at the same time I was able to apply the lessons,” she added. Yuan Canlas won one gold for the Canlas Fencing team that competed in Thailand. READ: Young Willa Galvez strikes gold in Malaysia tourney Galvez, who represented Canlas Fencing, dominated top seed Hei Shun Keung of Hong Kong 15-8 in the finals of the Under-14 girl’s foil last Saturday—her second gold medal in the same category in international meet just seven months after her breakthrough victory in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The incoming Grade 8 student also won the gold in the Girls’ under-14 epee with a nail-biting 15-13 win opposite Pawichaya Thongngaram of Thailand in the finals. Canlas, an incoming freshman for the Red Warriors, captured the gold medal in Under-12 girl’s epee on the final day of competition Monday after beating Lena Xia of Singapore, 10-5, in the finals. She also earned two bronze medals (U-14 and U-12 foil) in the three-day tournament. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://sports.inquirer.net/576016/willa-galvez-bags-two-golds-in-thailand-fencing-tilt?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2fyLl_UcmtmBlioaShKnMWUFHRHIJVAkRTRD_bg2kq8gLTTzu1cy_Bp8M_aem_FdbovMZXjeRIWNPgjK5KYw

3 things I learned about Pilates after trying it for the first time

No author found

2024-05-29T05:49:34+00:00

Pilates is one of the workouts I have always been curious about but found myself intimidated by. I’ve admired how those who practice it seem to have such strong and toned physiques, and the main point of my intimidation was whether I’d be physically capable of doing the (complex!) moves and forms I’d often see as depictions of this training method. While many may associate Pilates with natal fitness and even injury rehabilitation, it is actually a great holistic physical fitness training. And when I finally got the chance to try a session out for myself, I discovered a few things about this workout and myself, too. The man who created Pilates—and after which this training method was named—is pretty impressive (and intimidating) himself. German Joseph Pilates was a bodybuilder, gymnast, boxer, skier, diver, self-defense instructor, and acrobat. But these physical feats all stemmed from a sickly childhood, which pushed him to strive to become strong and healthy. This led him to learn and practice a wide variety of exercises, from both Western and Eastern health and fitness practices and ideas. While Pilates itself has evolved over the years (there are now even different types of Pilates!), its core principles, which built strength and improved physical fitness, combined with meditative principles of yoga, tai chi, and Zen, are still evident today. When I tried my hand at Pilates at Onelife Studio, I was able to experience their brand of clinical Pilates, which involves a personalized approach to the practice. We started off with a fitness assessment, which involved body measurement through a karada body scan machine, and a brief physical exam that measured my body’s current level of strength, balance, coordination as well as posture. The fitness assessment gives the coach (and yourself!) a baseline from which to start the training. It helps the coach identify what parts of your body need to be targeted for your specific fitness goals. I was lucky all my stats fell within what was considered a healthy range, and only needed additional work to improve my core strength and keep my fat levels in check. As I was led to the main studio area to begin my Pilates session, the intimidation of being surrounded by complex-looking machines (which they call the Reformer) melted away, thanks to the very approachable coaches. Unlike high-intensity workouts where it seems like each workout and each rep feels like punishment from your coach, in Pilates, you work closely with them—trusting them—to guide you through each movement. Onelife’s Pilates sessions are all one-is-to-one, so that you’re thoroughly guided. That was the first myth I busted about Pilates. It’s challenging but not impossible to do because the coach is always there to adjust according to how your body can also respond to the movements and the machine. But they’re also good at pushing you to finish your reps! When we think about Pilates, we probably often visualize the complex forms on the Reformer, some even involving twists and flips. But what I’ve discovered about this training is that it’s not about speeding through your reps—it’s about executing it properly—and slowly. Breathwork is equally emphasized in Pilates, which I think adds an element of mindfulness to the practice. It’s not just about breezing through movements to feel the burn and to finish it. Focusing on your breathing as you slowly work through each movement also helps in finding balance. In this sense, this also debunks the myth that Pilates is a fast way to tone the body. This emphasis on breathing, balance, slowness, and proper movement is all about building better body strength and improving posture. It’s also why it’s recommended to do it consistently and frequently, as it’s how you’ll see better results. With each movement targeting different areas of the body, aiming to improve posture or alignment or balance, the whole training session becomes a platform to safely (physically and psychologically) learn more about your own body. While other workouts—even the mat variation of Pilates—can be done on your own, I’ve realized it’s more beneficial and safer done in a studio with a coach since they can provide their expertise. At Onelife Studio, they fuse the principles of Pilates with physiotherapy to ensure that training is well-rounded, efficient, and safe. During my session, as the coach also helps me be more mindful of my form and how I execute the moves, I am also able to see how the moves are meant to target my weak points. As challenging as some of the stretches and movements were, I was able to see (thanks to the studio’s wide mirrors!) that if I were to consistently do the workouts, I’d definitely both look and feel healthier and better. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/55162/first-time-clinical-pilates/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2IP_W5QH18LLl7_aoE83Kb0oCXzzLkcnixAutKhGqWS-bDaBjIUMI0gR8_aem_OkB5HAXVzjLk52169rM9rg

Makabayan bloc solons defy ban on ‘protest’ fashion during Sona 2024

Jessica Ann Evangelista

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:42:43 PST

Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel, Reps. France Castro and Arlene Brosas | Image: X/KabataanPL, Instagram/@mico.selo Representatives from the Makabayan bloc let their Sona 2024 look speak for their advocacies on the red carpet for President Bongbong Marcos’ third state of the nation address on July 22 at the Batasan Complex. In an Instagram post, representatives from progressive party-list groups such as France Castro (Alliance of Concerned Teachers) and Arlene Brosas (Gabriela) campaign for fair wages, national sovereignty, and resistance against foreign military aggression using their garments. “The works finally resisted threats of confiscation, detention, and arrest,” a post by artist Michael Joselo stated, which also showed the lady solons in their handpainted gowns. A post shared by Michael Joselo (@mico.selo) Meanwhile, Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel’s sported a barong designed by Albert Raqueño made from the color scheme of blue and yellow with touches of red to showcase the youth’s fight for a bright future. On his Instagram story, Raqueño shared that he was “mentally preparing” to create the outfit; nonetheless, he was more comfortable with his work than last year. “For some reason, mas kalmado ako kesa last year. Mas mabilis na rin yung pagbwelo kahit 9pm na ako nagstart (dahil sa pagpapatuyo ng coating at repairs) dahil sobrang familiar na ng proseso. tho meron pa ring konting panic dahil 9am dapat suot na ito,” he wrote in his caption. (For some reason, I’m calmer than last year. The welding is also faster, even though I started at 9 p.m. (due to the drying of the coating and repairs) because the process is very familiar. (Though there is still a little panic because it should be worn at 9 a.m.) Image: Instagram/@albertraqueno On the other hand, Manuel said in the red carpet interview that his barong is a visualization of youth’s vision for an alternative future as they break free and fight back against social issues. “This symbolizes the hope of the new generation to graduate from the social ills dragging the country to further crisis and even outright war,” he explained. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our entertainment news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://entertainment.inquirer.net/567642/makabayan-bloc-solons-defy-ban-on-protest-fashion-during-sona-2024?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3y36mfnVxpfCfxngmtLEPJr8msv856iHwGq85FcBtKVLpaCMA2InrrMBo_aem_21QcO9WUwdRCkOlKMsikBA

Dole assures support for displaced Pogo workers

Luisa Cabato

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:45:48 PST

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma —Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma —Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma assured employees of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) that they will be taken care of amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to ban said gaming operators in the country The banning of all Pogos was announced by Marcos in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 22. READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’ “Of course, at the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), our mandate is not only job creation; it also includes job preservation,” Laguesma said in an ambush interview after the Sona. READ: Live Updates: SONA 2024 “Of course, we have some concerns, but that is a directive that must be implemented,” he added, referring to the banning of all Pogos. He noted that this development should not be considered something that would increase the unemployment rate in the country. “Let’s not think that unemployment will increase again because that is really part of the challenges faced by Dole,” Laguesma said. During Marcos’s Sona, he said, “Effective today, all Pogos are banned.” “I hereby instruct the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease the operations of Pogos by the end of the year,” he added. He then ordered Dole in partnership with the administration’s economic managers, to use the time “between now and then” to find new jobs for Filipinos who would be displaced. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964040/dole-assures-support-for-displaced-pogo-workers?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1x8J4e-7bfFsjyUs5dXDVJlQo3t5LRIGE5_yBrbjrjYgBZDT4GDfHajD8_aem_Tx67UtktE4R4SC0JwfNwMw

In his Sona, Marcos makes preemptive strike at inflation menace

Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral @ipcigaral

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:34:39 PST

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) speech on Monday, July 22, 2024. | Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) speech on Monday, July 22, 2024. | Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened his much-awaited third State of the Nation Address (Sona) touting the steps that his administration has taken to solve the one economic problem that’s eroding his political capital: inflation. It was a preemptive strike at the core issue, using state data to highlight the government’s policies and achievements on food security. For instance, Marcos said palay harvest hit a record-high of 20 million metric tonnes last year. But he also acknowledged that local production is still not enough to bring down the prices of rice, a staple food for Filipinos. READ: Marcos sets allocation target in machinery, water projects, irrigation He later went on to justify the controversial policy decisions he made in the past 12 months to tame stubbornly high rice prices, including a price ceiling on the commodity and the reduced tariff on imported rice that farmer’s groups are now challenging at the Supreme Court. This, as he admitted that high economic growth rates are hardly translating to more affordable food for Filipinos, many of whom are losing trust and confidence in Marcos amid rising costs of living, according to opinion polls. The president also assured the public that his administration is still more focused on boosting local farm production, even hinting at his openness to extend the lower tariff on rice and other commodities just until the end of the year and not all the way until 2028. ”The hard lesson of this last year has made it very clear that whatever current data proudly bannering our country as among the best-performing in Asia, means nothing to a Filipino, who is confronted by the price of rice at 45 to 65 pesos per kilo,” the first thing the president said after acknowledging the VIPs at his Sona. Data showed Inflation hovered above the government’s 2 to 4 percent target band for most of the second half of 2023, before finally easing back to that range by the end of last year. But a flare-up was seen again this year due to high energy prices and the El Niñ0 onslaught, although price growth had remained within the state’s target range. In the first six months of 2024, inflation averaged 3.5 percent. READ: Sona 2024: Marcos admits economic gains mean little with high prices Anthony Lawrence Borja, political science professor at De La Salle University, said Marcos’ opening salvo was an attempt to “preempt negative reactions from the public by highlighting both the emptiness of statistics and the futility of blaming external factors like the market for ordinary Filipinos.” “Overall, it’s an attempt to allay the rumblings of our collective belly by promising food security through the continued pursuit and expansion of current policies, especially those concerning agricultural production,” Borja said. Despite highlighting the government’s anti-inflation gameplan and state efforts to attract job-generating foreign investments amid hard times, the Maharlika Investment Fund—dubbed as the centerpiece of the Marcos administration’s economic agenda—was notably missing from the president’s speech. For DLSU’s Borja, Marcos’ lack of mention of Maharlika—which has yet to make its first investment—might send a signal to the public that the sovereign wealth fund is “no longer a priority.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “Without any statements on the matter in the near future, Maharlika, already questionable in the eyes of many, could descend into obscurity through the public’s chronic forgetfulness,” he said. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/470671/in-his-sona-marcos-makes-preemptive-strike-at-inflation-menace?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR23WuK4u7tS9v7FLuntnpEZgzpLfXqxat_0wZHtlok49pCXNYwiLjEc4rQ_aem_6-EVl-sEFZuMJvZ4QPLwoQ

Lagman says Marcos’ Sona well-delivered but lacks key details

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 21:51:01 PST

Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman. INQUIRER.net file photo / NOY MORCOSO Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman. INQUIRER.net file photo / NOY MORCOSO MANILA, Philippines — Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman believes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) was well-delivered, as issues that needed to be addressed were tackled. But even if Marcos mentioned a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), Lagman said on Monday that there were details not touched on by the President. “The well-delivered [Sona] of President Marcos Jr. would evoke concurrence on some major policy statements like the unequivocal upholding of Philippine sovereign rights over the resource-rich West Philippine Sea, albeit a repetition of previous declarations; review and amendment of the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act); and the total ban on all Pogo operations by the end of 2024,” he said. “What is lacking are the important details in the implementation of said policies,” he added. Lagman was referring to Marcos’ strong statements regarding the Philippines’ ownership of the West Philippine Sea, and the Pogo ban due to the social costs that it brings to the country. READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’ According to Lagman, while there were points that he agreed on with Marcos, this would not deter the opposition from delivering a Counter-Sona. “Such agreement on some vital points in the Sona does not mean that a Counter-Sona is not necessary with respect to dissenting views based on established facts and validated data on the Philippine economy, poverty, agriculture and food security, education, employment, sustainable human development, and human rights – all of which will be discussed in the genuine opposition’s Counter-Sona,” he noted. Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas meanwhile said that Marcos’ sona was only a showcase of “sugarcoated anti-poor policies, false patriotism”. “President Marcos Jr.’s Sona is a clear indication that his administration remains deaf to the plight of ordinary Filipinos. The glaring absence of any mention of a significant wage increase shows how out of touch this government is with the struggles of workers,” Brosas said. “Ang mga malalaking negosyo, may sandamukal na karagdagang tax breaks sa ilalim ng isinusulong ng pangulo na CREATE More Act habang sa mga manggagawa mumong P35 na dagdag sahod lang ang ibingay,” she added. (Large businesses are set to receive hefty additional tax breaks under the president’s proposed CREATE More Act, while workers will only receive a measly increase of P35 in wages.) Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. NOTE: Most of the English translations in the article were translated with the aid of AI. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964021/lagman-says-marcos-sona-well-delivered-but-lacks-key-details?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3QctbitB6t4jzjf9T7LEbJPXmYKP59GG-n8e4e_68XBnU7X7uHKs6MLDI_aem_XJ_VrB0WIfBeV0gBSW5w4Q

Collapsed screen, seized portalets are some minor Sona troubles

John Eric Mendoza

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 21:40:24 PST

Protestors burn the effigy depicting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in their podiums while also behind them were the faces of American President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, respectively. INQUIRER.net / Faith Argosino Protestors burn the effigy depicting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in their podiums while also behind them were the faces of American President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, respectively. INQUIRER.net / Faith Argosino MANILA, Philippines — The third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday was generally peaceful, authorities said, but minor troubles hounded protests throughout the day. Due to heavy rains and strong winds, the LED screen on the stage of pro-Marcos supporters near the Commission on Audit headquarters in Quezon City collapsed, according to an ABS-CBN News report. However, the free concert during the demonstration went on despite the rains, according to the local government of Quezon City. In another mishap, militant groups accused police of seizing their portalets. Renato Reyes, president of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said police seized their rented portalets, thinking it was theirs. Reyes, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said in Filipino:  “Hey, you should pay for its rent! Why do our policemen have this kind of attitude?!” When sought for comment, Philippine National Police chief Col. Jean Fajardo said in a phone interview that she has no information about the incident yet. Metro Manila police chief Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said more than 7,500 demonstrators of different persuasions took to streets of Commonwealth either to show their support and disdain to the Marcos administration. READ: Heavy rains hound 7,500 demonstrators during Marcos’ Sona Nartatez, in a later ambush interview, said this is way below their initial projection of about 10,000 pro-government participants and 8,000 members of militant organizations organizing for Marcos’ Sona. In contrast, Nartatez said over 23,000 policemen and security forces were deployed — mostly in Commonwealth Avenue — to ensure the peace during the protests. Police and militant groups had a face off during their demonstrations along Commonwealth Avenue, only divided by orange plastic barriers. However, Nartatez noted that there was no heated confrontation between the anti-government protestors and authorities. He also said that Commonwealth Avenue was cleared of protestors by 2:00 p.m. or a few hours before the Sona due to heavy rains. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. In absence of heated confrontation, policemen’s riot shields served no purpose other than being used as protection against the rain. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964019/collapsed-screen-seized-portalets-are-some-minor-sona-troubles?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3H4JedxGAfJ3yIgwWmOSuj0WSWVHQGNJ1IXt79FR_8npA9V0e8cIXwxZ4_aem_zpjFrGhWf7-6p4rAN6NPrA

Why intermittent fasting isn’t for me

No author found

2021-06-22T07:59:12+00:00

It’s just after lunch, and I’m sitting at my desk socially-distanced. I’m staring straight through my computer monitor, the figures on the screen blending into a mush of nothingness, and I’d consider my brain absolutely cooked for the day. I’m describing the post-lunch office hours I had come to know far too well. It was as though I’d work my way through stacks of work until lunch, chomp down a rice salad, and then be rendered useless for the rest of the day. Having read somewhere that skipping breakfast would keep me sharper throughout the day, I thought, “What the hell, let’s give intermittent fasting (IF) a go.” And looking back I think, “Well that lasted a month.” While there are benefits to intermittent fasting that may make it worth trying (with your doctor’s go-signal of course), I’m convinced that it’s not for everyone. I didn’t eat anything until noon—plain and simple. I gulped down glasses of water and sipped coffee to keep the nagging nine o’clock hunger at bay, but other than that I didn’t allow a morsel of food to get anywhere near digesting. An article published by Johns Hopkins Medicine recognizes that there are several ways to go about intermittent fasting: “16/8 fasting” whereby one eats for eight hours and fasts for 16, and the “5:2 approach” in which one eats normally for five days in a given week and consumes only one 500- to 600-calorie meal on each of the two remaining days. I tried the former approach for a month, permitting myself to eat from noon until 8 p.m. Given my nine-to-five job and a requisite afterwork run, consuming all my food for the day within the period was a pressing concern and I’d occasionally cheat with a meal outside the window. Unsustainability had begun to show its ugly face. Studies done by Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Mark Mattson, Ph.D. who has studied intermittent fasting for 25 years, associates IF with having a longer life, a leaner body, and a sharper mind. While I wasn’t aiming to lose weight, I was hoping to keep my mind in better shape until at least five in the afternoon. And a longer life sounded pretty good too, mind you. During the first two weeks of my little experiment, I’d felt as though I’d struck gold. There I was, focused at my desk until five. But, by week three, the novelty of it all had waned, and the compensation for the hunger, i.e. the heavier intake of coffee, grew less productive and more anxiety-inducing. I went into my experiment, received two weeks of positive results, and convinced myself that IF was reducing tissue damage, helping me heal faster, and boosting my athletic performance. But going into week three, I found myself fatigued and grumpy until midday. By week four, I was noticing bothersome slips in concentration that I decided to just have breakfast if I had any presentations or pressing ongoings at work. “Unsustainable” had grown into downright counterproductive. By the fifth week, I decided the whole institution of intermittent fasting—living on gulps of water for 16 hours and convincing myself it was good for me—had a negative impact on my body. Healthline suggests that the following individuals should avoid intermittent fasting: But I’ll add two more: One 2021 study that asked “whether fasting itself offers specific nutritional benefits in lean individuals compared to traditional daily calorie restriction” found that maintaining energy expenditure remained critical to burn fat. The same study found a lack of additional change among cardiovascular and metabolic health measures in the fasting participants compared to regularly dieting individuals, which may be why I felt no extra boost to my athletic performance. Healthline has a list of potential side effects, and they were side effects I felt. Try as I might, I could only pull myself through fasting periods by holding onto the idea that this was all somehow good for me. The article sums it up nicely: “Don’t continue intermittent fasting if the program makes you feel miserable.” I have no doubt that intermittent fasting may be helpful for many bodies, and that as part of a program comprising regular exercise and rest, it will greatly aid an athlete’s fitness progress. But, I posit that there may be a danger in thinking that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution to achieve weight goals, athletic performance, and a lack of sharpness after midday. Sustainability is often lost in mad dashes to improve—in the “hacks” and “secrets” that are plastered all over the internet. In any big change to eating habits, cautious supervision and an assessment of necessity are healthy. This includes asking two questions: Is this improving how I am feeling on a daily basis? Am I feeling any discomfort that necessitates me to continue with this process? And as a bonus question: Is there another way to achieve my goal? So listen to your body, and be honest. If it’s making you feel terrible, ditch it. And if you’re feeling the way I felt after lunch, (at least in my case) it was the stress and the coffee. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/45113/why-intermittent-fasting-is-not-for-me/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3xy0KS1PNHITZa518-6K615ixVPSeHMDVXmnIw5HcoGHLdboXv1M51YMs_aem_CTWb9y4RkuakBFER092z4g

Pogo probe to continue despite ban: Violators should be held accountable

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 21:23:54 PST

POGO WORKERS composite image from Inquirer file and stock photos POGO WORKERS composite image from Inquirer file and stock photos MANILA, Philippines — At least two lawmakers from the House of Representatives have assured the public that investigations of illegal activities linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) will continue, despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ban. Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers and Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez on separate occasions on Monday said investigations would push through because there is a need to seek accountability from those behind illegal Pogos. “I’m one of those members of Congress who are very, very happy with the announcement that there will be a total ban on all Pogos dito sa bansa.  Bakit?  Kasi alam naman natin na ang Pogo ay siyang ugat ng pag-taas ng krimen dito,” Barbers, vice chairperson of the committee on public order and safety that is tasked to probe the issue, said. (I’m one of those members of Congress who are very, very happy with the announcement that there will be a total ban on all Pogos in the country.  Why?  Because we know that the Pogos have been the root of rising crime rates here.) “We will proceed with our investigation because we must put to rest the issue of accountability ‘no, maraming local government officials na involved na kung saan hindi dumaan sa tamang proseso, number one.  Number two, maraming mga miyembro ng Philippine National Police, most likely ay involved din,” he added. (We will proceed with our investigation because we must put to rest the issue of accountability ‘no, there are several local government officials involved in allowing processes to proceed erroneously, that’s number one.  Number two, there are many members of the Philippine National Police who are most likely involved also.) Gomez meanwhile reiterated that whatever revenues generated by Pogos have outweighed the problems it has caused the country. READ: Highlights: Sona 2024 “I’m very happy about it and I was really waiting for the President to announce the banning of Pogos, I think it’s very good for us and if we talk about the P7 billion annual income of Pogos, that’s very small as compared to the social costs it brings,” Gomez said. “The investigation will continue because of the criminal acts that happened,” he added. Marcos announced earlier in his 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) that all Pogos are banned — drawing cheers and a standing ovation from lawmakers and guests present at the Batasang Pambansa complex. No less than Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has thrown his support to Marcos’ declaration, saying that the “bold move” highlights the Chief Executive’s “commitment to lawful economic practices.” READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’ The committee started investigating Pogos last July 17, upon the directions of Speaker Romualdez.  During the hearing, it was revealed that a Pogo worker identified as “Dylan” — not his real name — was sold to the illegal Pogo in Bamban, Tarlac, for P300,000. Dylan said his friend, a Chinese national, invited him to the Baofu compound to celebrate the Chinese New Year last February 10, 2024.  However, his friend left him there, and Pogo officials eventually said that Dylan would have to work there unless he can pay off the money used to buy him. The Pogo where Dylan was rescued from was raided on March 13, leading to the rescue of 371 Filipinos and 497 foreigners. READ: Over 800 Filipinos, foreign Pogo workers rescued in Tarlac raid The Pogo was linked to now suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) accused the local chief executive of having business interests in Baofu Land Development Inc. Baofu owns the land where the raided Pogo sits.  DILG said Baofu, as represented by Guo who was president of the company, purchased eight parcels of land in Bamban last February 2019. Guo claims to have divested ownership of Baofu, but DILG believes the amount she divested it for — P2.5 million — was “grossly incongruent to her investment on Baufo which is approximately eight hectares of land”. There have been proposals to totally ban Pogos in the country.  Last June 11, Makabayan bloc lawmakers in the House of Representatives filed House Bill (HB) No. 10525 or the proposed Anti-Pogo Act of 2024 — which will revoke existing licenses and ban future Pogos due to the social cost it brings. READ: House bill filed to ban Pogos, revoke licenses Several Pogo workers were found to have suffered torture at the hands of operators, while they were illegally detained. During the hearing proper, videos of male and female Pogo workers being punched or hit with metal bats and sticks, and even electrocuted using tasers were shown at the Nograles hall of the Batasang Pambansa complex, and at the YouTube and Facebook livestream of the House of Representatives. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston John Casio explained that the workers were tortured if they are caught attempting to escape the Pogo facility. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/243417/pogo-probe-to-continue-despite-ban-violators-should-be-held-accountable?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR24qEIB0c5MX70id7RPuJGTZVqO5AauXqV7pEgNtHgn_jGdwIksPaUSp4U_aem_O51E6QxOfO3M-YUSeJ7Hwg

FULL SPEECH: Bongbong Marcos’ State of the Nation Address

INQUIRER.net

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 21:04:18 PST

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his 3rd State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 22. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964012/sona-2024-full-speech-bongbong-marcos-state-of-the-nation-address?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0GaT16MW9lbnmmNAkmhRmEmKp99eDV2NRpin3W_xdho9w750j5O_ZnQLM_aem_JrZQbwV-ldqjtvouofXibg

Sona 2024: Marcos’ most explosive, emotional yet

Zacarian Sarao

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:34:12 PST

Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE MANILA, Philippines—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) has shaped up to be his most explosive and emotional yet, highlighted by the announcement of several measures, including the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos). Prior to the speech, Marcos arrived early at the Batasang Pambansa Complex despite heavy rains, at exactly 3:33 p.m., by presidential helicopter. READ: Highlights: Sona 2024 In INQUIRER.net’s time count, Marcos’ Sona lasted a total of one hour and 21 minutes, making this also his longest yet—slightly longer than last year’s one hour and 11 minutes and his first Sona which took one hour and 14 minutes. Here are some of the biggest highlights of Marcos’ third Sona: Perhaps the biggest announcement in this year’s Sona is the ban on all Pogos nationwide. Pogos are online casinos catering mainly to Chinese clients despite a ban on online gambling in China. The announcement came after years of clamor from both the public and lawmakers who called for Marcos to ban the entities due to their “social cost.” In making the announcement, Marcos cited the “loud outcry of the people” against Pogos. He said Pogos were establishments disguising as legitimate entities, pointing out how these have already ventured into illicit practices such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder. “The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop. Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa,” he said. “Effective today, all Pogos are banned,” he then added. He immediately gave instructions to two government agencies: Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease Pogo operations by the end of the year; and the Department of Labor and Employment to find alternative jobs for Filipino workers who will be displaced. Marcos was most emotional while discussing the country’s dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines and China have been engaged in tense encounters in WPS as China tries to enforce its so-called 10-dash line claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, including Philippine exclusive economic zone. While China’s claims have been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling that stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, China continued encroaching in Philippine waters, continuing its aggression and militarization even in areas inside Philippine EEZ. In his speech, Marcos stressed that the Philippines cannot yield to these aggressions, assuring the public that the government will continue to assert the country’s rights, interests and sovereignty “in the same fair and pacific way that we have always done.” “Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas,” Marcos stated. He vowed to maintain peace and community-building to be the country’s clarion call, especially with the Philippines as the host of the ASEAN Summit in 2026. The President also announced that the country has been “more strategic” in improving its aerial and maritime domain awareness, and defense posture through self-reliance and partnerships with other like-minded states. Marcos also stressed the need to educate the public on West Philippine Sea issues, further underscoring the need to pass a Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) priority bill by June 2025: the proposed Laws on our Maritime Zones and Archipelagic Sea Lanes. He then — seemingly tearfully — thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard and fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea for their courage and sacrifices. He got one of loudest and longest applause for his speech on the West Philippine Sea issue. Another noticeable part of Marcos’ third Sona were pronouncements which could easily be viewed as a subtle dig at his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte—Marcos’ erstwhile ally and now critic. In revealing his administration’s significant achievements in the fight against illegal drugs, Marcos stressed his campaign did not have the element that defined Duterte’s—bloodshed. READ: Marcos on bloodless drug war gains: No exterminations involved “Our bloodless war on dangerous drugs adheres, and will continue to adhere, to the established ‘8 Es’ of an effective anti-illegal drugs strategy. Extermination was never one of them,” Marcos stressed in his speech. This could be seen as a dig against Duterte, who is being investigated by the International Criminal Court for thousands of killings that marked his anti-drug campaign. Government records show that at least 6,200 drug suspects have been killed in police anti-drug operations, but many human rights groups claim that the actual number of individuals slain during the drug war can be between 12,000 and 30,000. A University of the Philippines (UP) study on July 23, 2021 said the drug war had killed an estimated two people each day. It should also be noted that the fight between the two escalated after Duterte, in a prayer rally back in January, accused Marcos of being “bangag,” or an addict, which has since been denied by the President, clapping back by saying Duterte may just still be reeling from the effects of the opioid fentanyl, a highly addictive pain killer. Rift between two leaders aside, Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte seem to have also been caught up in a strife after Sara decided not to attend Marcos’ Sona, shortly after quitting her post as education secretary. This was the first time the Vice President stood up Marcos’ Sona in the past three years. Marcos also did not mention the Vice President even once in his speech. Several other subjects were also tackled by the President in his speech. On food and water security, Marcos admitted high prices of food, especially rice, but assured the public that the government is doing everything to address the problem. He then provided updates on the administration’s infrastructure projects, announcing that two years since assuming office, these programs remain on track—with at least 12,000 kilometers of roads and 1,200 bridges built. Regarding health, Marcos again vowed to provide extra aid for pregnant women, securing the health of both the mother and the unborn child. Marcos said the government has already included in its proposed 2025 national budget the additional grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. On education, Marcos stressed the need to close the digital gap. He said that the government must do so as it addresses gaps in education. He noted that digitalization and solar-powered electricity must “become the standard feature in our schools and our classrooms,” tagging such an effort as an “educational reform through technology.” By the end of his Sona, Marcos quoted English philosopher John Stuart Mill’s speech about individuals who remain silent despite being surrounded by evil in society. Due to this, he said that Filipinos must always rise up against evil. “We should always fight for what is right and good. We should always love the Philippines and the Filipinos,” he added in Filipino. During the speech, Marcos was applauded four times, with the last being the longest, lasting for one minute and 14 seconds. This marked how explosive this year’s Sona was. While Marcos’ third Sona has finally concluded, a post-Sona discussion with various government agencies is set to be conducted on Wednesday, July 24. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. This aligns with Marcos’ earlier pronouncement of tapping the help of his Cabinet to implement orders and policies he listed in his Sona. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/243413/sona-2024-marcos-most-explosive-emotional-yet?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1-OKIXK5KJcE7b38utlL7D9OEqzI5449TTCPxEs1bArzfYUn1NhTtisrc_aem_B4A12WXVGBrZ7L3y0tcHmg

Romualdez backs Marcos’ stance on banning Pogos, WPS ownership

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:14:16 PST

Speaker Martin Romualdez during the State of the Nation Address 2024 at Batasan Complex. Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE Speaker Martin Romualdez during the State of the Nation Address 2024 at Batasan Complex. Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has thrown his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to ban all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo), saying that it shows the administration’s commitment to lawful economic activities. Romualdez in a statement hours after Marcos’ 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) said that the President’s directive to government agencies to find jobs for those who will be displaced by the ban also reveals a compassionate side. Marcos announced in his Sona that all Pogos are banned — drawing cheers and a standing ovation from lawmakers and guests present at the Batasang Pambansa complex. READ: Highlights: Sona 2024 “This bold move underscores the President’s commitment to lawful economic practices,” Romualdez said. “(The President tasking the Department of Labor and Employment to find jobs for POGO workers who will be displaced by his directive) shows a compassionate approach to the transition,” he added. READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’ Marcos in his speech said all Pogos are banned, instructing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to “wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year”. Romualdez initially was lukewarm about the idea of a total ban on Pogos, saying in a past interview that he preferred a strict enforcement of laws to avoid erring operators. Romualdez feared that a total ban might only force Pogos to go underground — which means the government can no longer regulate them, possibly leading to more crimes emanating from it. READ: Romualdez: Ban illegal Pogos only; total ban may lead to underground ops Romualdez also heaped praise for Marcos’ firm stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, as he said that the Philippines’ ownership of the disputed region is not an imagination but a reality that will stay forever. Marcos’ remarks about the WPS also drew a standing ovation. “The President’s declaration that the WPS is rightfully ours is a powerful assertion of our national sovereignty,” Romualdez said. “(The President’s expression of gratitude to the military, Coast Guard, and fisherfolk for their relentless efforts in defending the WPS) underscores their vital role in upholding national integrity,” he added. The administration’s pursuit of a war against illegal drugs that adheres with human rights standards also caught Romualdez’ eye, saying that this approach ensures the community’s safety. “The President’s stance that extermination is not a policy of this government, along with the significant reduction of drug-affected villages, the interception of billions of pesos worth of illegal drugs, and the high conviction rate of drug offenders, are commendable achievements,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “This approach ensures community safety while upholding human rights,” Romualdez added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963970/romualdez-backs-marcos-stance-on-banning-pogos-wps-ownership?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2piSp1hnndzSgDYF_grjmubX16Q-qin8VSgrKN8du4GsDTbJNVPa38MYM_aem_-IApHWw45rNFq3xwyUIgEQ

TRANSCRIPT: 3rd Sona of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

INQUIRER.net

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:35:00 PST

[Delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City on July 22, 2024] Thank you. Allow me to greet the former presidents who are with us here today: President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; Senate President Chiz Escudero and the honorable members of the Senate; House Speaker Martin Romualdez and the honorable members of the House of Representatives; Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and the honorable justices of the Supreme Court; His Excellency, the Most Reverend Charles John Brown and the esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps; Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the members of the Cabinet; of course the First Lady, the First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos [applause]; other distinguished guests; mga minamahal kong kababayan, magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat. The hard lesson of this last year has made it very clear that whatever current data proudly bannering our country as among the best-performing in Asia, means nothing to a Filipino, who is confronted by the price of rice at 45 to 65 pesos per kilo. Bagamat maganda ang mga istatistikang ito, wala itong kabuluhan sa ating kababayan na hinaharap ang realidad na mataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin, lalo na ang pagkain — lalo’t higit, ng bigas. Totoo, puwersa ng merkado — sa ating bansa at maging sa buong daigdig — ang siyang nagdidikta ng presyo. Bunsod ito, halimbawa, ng giyera, problema sa supply, at puwersa ng kalikasan, tulad ng El Niño na naranasan din sa ibang bansa. Subalit hindi na ito mahalagang alalahanin ng ating mga kababayang nabibigatan sa presyo ng bigas. Mahal kong mga kababayan, alam kong damang-dama ninyo ito. Hindi natin winawalang-bahala ang inyong mga hinaing at hirap na dinaranas. Sa kabila ng mga hamon na ating kinakaharap, nasaksihan natin ang pinakamataas na ani ng palay sa bansa nitong nakalipas na taon. [applause] Pumalo ito sa lagpas dalawampung milyong tonelada — ang pinakamataas na ani mula noong 1987. [applause] Gayumpaman, ang ani na ito ay katumbas lamang ng labintatlong milyong tonelada ng bigas. Kulang pa rin ito para sa ating pangangailangan na labing anim na milyong tonelada ng bigas, kung kaya’t napipilitan tayong mag-angkat. Ngunit, lokal na produksyon pa rin ang ating mas bibigyan ng halaga. Kaya patuloy nating sinusuportahan ang sektor ng agrikultura, upang mapabilis, mapadali, at mapalakas ang produksyon — mula sa pagpunla, pag-ani at paghuli, hanggang sa pagbiyahe at pagbenta — upang maiwasan din ang pagkasira ng mga produkto. Nitong nakalipas na taon, higit isandaang milyong kilo ng mga sari-saring binhi, suwi, at pataba ang ipinamahagi sa mga magsasaka. Namigay rin ang pamahalaan ng mahigit tatlong daang libong inahin upang ito ay maparami. Para naman sa mga mangingisda, mahigit limandaang milyong fingerlings at tatlong libong mga bangka ang naipamahagi. Nakakatulong din ang mga ginawa at inayos na mga fish port at cold storage upang masuportahan ang kanilang industriya. Bukod pa sa mga ito, naroon din ang mga teknikal at pinansyal na tulong para sa dagdag na kaalaman sa mga makabagong pamamaraan at pagkukunan ng sapat na puhunan. Handa na rin ang pamahalaan na ilabas ang mga bakuna laban sa Swine Fever na magpapalakas sa mga alagang hayop at magbibigay ng garantiya sa mga magsasaka laban sa pagkalugi. [applause] Nagsasagawa rin tayo ng mga kaugnay na hakbang upang pababain ang presyo at madagdagan din ang ating supply ng pagkain. Because of compelling emergency reasons, such as illegal price manipulations by hoarders and smuggling, we were constrained to temporarily implement mandated price ceilings on rice. We also extended the reduced tariff rates to facilitate the importation of rice, corn, and pork until the end of this year. Tinitiyak ko sa ating mga magsasaka at sa buong sektor ng agrikultura na ang mga ito ay pawang pang-gipitang solusyon lamang. Sa repormang sakahan naman, tuloy pa rin ang ating programa, at ang pamamahagi ng mga titulo sa ating mga magsasaka. Sa nakalipas na dalawang taon, mahigit isangdaan at tatlumpung libong titulo na ang ating naigawad sa mga benepisyaryo. [applause] Tuloy-tuloy din at pinabibilis pa natin ang pagkakahati-hati ng collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award o ‘yung CLOA para sa mga indibidwal na benepisyaryo nito. Pinamamahagi na rin ang mga Certificates of Condonation, kaugnay ng pagpapawalang-bisa sa mahigit limampu’t pitong bilyong pisong utang ng may anim na raang libong benepisyaryo. [applause] Bukod pa rito, naresolba rin ang mahigit pitumpung libong mga kaso patungkol sa repormang agraryo. Kasama rito ang mahigit dalawang libong kasong matagal nang nakabinbin bago pa man pumasok ang administrasyon. Through modernized customs procedures and heightened enforcement efforts, more than 2.7 billion pesos worth of smuggled agri-fisheries products have been seized, preventing them from entering the market and negatively influencing prices. [applause] Bilang leksyon, ang mga nasabat na kargamento ng bigas ay agad nating ipinamahagi sa ating mga mahihirap na kababayan. Ganoon din ang sasapitin ng lahat ng mga ipupuslit na mga bigas. Ang ibang mga produkto naman ay ating sisirain o susunugin — bukod pa sa pagkakakulong sa mga mahuhuling mga salarin. [applause] Soon, we will be implementing the pre-border technical verification and cross-border electronic invoicing of import commodities. This will send a strong message that we mean serious business. To reduce unnecessary business costs, local government units no longer collect fees and charges from motorists transporting goods and merchandise while passing through national roads. [applause]  On the same principle, LGUs have been strongly urged to refrain from collecting similar fees for the use of local roads. [applause] Nagsilbing kaagapay ng taumbayan ang Kadiwa sa panahon na mataas ang presyo ng pagkain. Dahil naging epektibo ito, ang mga Kadiwa Centers ay magpapatuloy pa. Katuwang ang mga lokal na pamahalaan, dinagdagan pa natin ang mga Kadiwa sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Higit sa lahat, layunin nating gawing permanente rin at mas madalas pa ang pagdaraos ng mga Kadiwa. [applause] Matatapos ngayong taon ang isanlibo at dalawang daang kilometro ng mga farm-to-market roads sa buong bansa. Mahigit siyam na libo’t tatlong daang makinarya ang maipapamahagi at pasilidad na magagawa ngayong taon. Patuloy tayong nagbubukas at nagkukumpuni ng mga irigasyon sa buong Pilipinas. Ngayong taon, bibigyan natin ng patubig ang halos apatnapu’t limang libong ektarya ng bagong lupain. [applause] Bubuhayin din nating muli ang irigasyon sa halos tatlumpu’t walong libong ektarya ng lupain sa buong bansa. Isa sa mga natapos na proyekto ay ang stage two ng Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project. Halos sampung libong ektarya ng lupain sa North Cotabato at sa Maguindanao del Sur ang maseserbisyuhan ng irigasyon na ito. [applause] Ang ilan sa mga ginagawa nating irigasyon ngayon ay solar. Ibig sabihin, pinapatakbo ang mga ito ng haring araw, hindi nauubos, at hindi nangangailangan ng paggamit ng krudo. Isang halimbawa ay ang kakabukas lamang na Cabaruan Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Project sa Quirino, Isabela. [applause] Samantala, dahil sa Jalaur River Multipurpose Project sa Iloilo, halos tatlumpu’t dalawang libong ektarya ng lupain ang mabibigyan ng patubig. [applause] Patutunayan ng proyekto sa Jalaur River ang pinalalawig na potensyal ng irigasyon. Hindi na lamang patubig sa sakahan ang kaya nitong gawin. Ito na rin ay magagamit sa pagkontrol ng baha, paglikha ng kuryente, at pati na rin para sa turismo. Moving forward, irrigation dams will supplement all our other bulk water projects to ensure water security for our people, especially in the underserved areas. Matindi ang naging epekto ng dumaang El Niño, lalo na sa mga sakahan. Sa tinamong pinsala mula sa pagkasira ng mga pananim, nagkaroon ng proteksyon ang ating mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng ating binigay na crop insurance. Sa nakalipas na dalawang taon, mahigit siyam na [bilyong] pisong halaga ang naging bayad-pinsala para sa mga apektadong magsasaka at mangingisda. Ngunit mainam na rin na nailunsad nang maaga ang mga modernong paraan ng pagtatanim, tulad ng low-water- use farming technologies. Sa ating nasimulan sa proyektong LAWA at BINHI, isinasagawa na ang mga modernong imbakan ng tubig, upang lalong maging handa at protektado ang ating mga magsasaka sa banta ng tagtuyot. As we can see in all the world, weather events are, as has been predicted, getting more extreme, such as torrential rains that instantly shift to scorching heat waves — or vice- versa. Our country’s geographical location makes us highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Precisely because of our inherent vulnerability, we are proactive advocates for heightened climate responsibility and justice on the global stage. To this end, we have secured a seat on the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund. And further, the Philippines has also been selected as host country to that fund. [applause] This will require an enabling law from Congress to confer the legal personality and capacity to the Board. This welcome development shall complement all our other climate adaptation and mitigation measures, and give us a strong voice to access the needed financial assistance for climate-related initiatives and impacts. Gayumpaman, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang buong bansa ay matibay at laging handa sa nakakapinsalang mga sakuna. Nangunguna ang ating mga DRRM workers upang tiyakin ang ating malawakang paghahanda, at ang ating pagiging mulat at listo sa anumang oras. Bilang pangunahing paghahanda, nagtatayo tayo ng mga mahahalagang imprastraktura na magsisilbing proteksyon at sentro ng koordinasyon, lalo na sa aspeto ng paghahatid-tulong. Within the past two years, almost a hundred evacuation centers have already been built. While in January of this year, we started the operations of our Disaster Response Command Center, which shall serve as the central hub for the government’s disaster response efforts. Ngayon, sa pagpihit ng panahon, ang hagupit ng La Niña at mga matinding pag-ulan naman ang ating binabantayan at pinaghahandaan. Mahigit limanglibo at limang daang flood control projects ang natapos na at marami pang iba ang kasalukuyang ginagawa sa buong bansa. [applause] Isa na rito ay ang Flood Risk Management Project sa Cagayan de Oro River, na magbibigay ng pangmatagalang proteksyon sa mahigit anim na raang ektarya ng lupa at animnapung libo nating mga kababayan. [applause] Isa pa ay ang proyekto sa Pampanga Bay na magsisilbing karagdagang lunas sa mga pagbabaha. Noong Enero, inilunsad natin ang “KALINISAN sa Bagong Pilipinas”, kung saan pinakilos natin ang ating mga barangay upang maglinis sa kani-kanilang komunidad. Sa limang buwan lamang, mahigit apatnapung libong tonelada ng basura ang nakolekta ng mahigit dalawampu’t dalawang libong mga barangay sa buong bansa. Inaasahan ko ang tuloy-tuloy na suporta ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa paglilinis ng ating pamayanan. [applause] Bilang halimbawa rin dito sa Maynila, nagsimula na ang malawakang pagtutulungan upang Bigyang Buhay Muli ang Ilog Pasig. [applause] As we enter the mid-term, our infrastructure development remains sustained, strategic, and on schedule. Aside from agriculture and disaster risk, our other vital sectors and pillars — such as education, health, energy, low-cost housing, transport, information technology — they all stand to benefit from our aggressive infrastructure development, as befitting our upper middle-income economic target. With the results that we have seen two years into this administration, we can claim that despite challenges, we are steadily progressing towards our targets in the medium-term. Our power and internet services are continuously being upgraded in both capacity and connectivity. Sa ating Free Wi-Fi Program, halos sampung milyong unique user devices ang nakikinabang sa libreng internet sa mahigit labintatlong libong lugar sa buong Pilipinas. [applause] Nasasagap ito sa marami nating mga paaralan at mga malalayo at liblib na mga pook. Patuloy pa ang ating pinaparami na mga libreng Wi-Fi sa buong bansa. As part of our nationwide internet infrastructure development, phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone has been completed and operationalized. Phases 2 and 3 have already begun early this year, and shall be completed by 2026. This fiber backbone will give us sufficient capacity in terms of bandwidth. As of 2022, only seventy-seven percent or 20.6 million households were connected to the Internet. This is much too low. Together with our private sector partners, we will efficiently harness the concept of common towers to provide connectivity to Filipinos who are at the far end of the last mile. Expect full government support to ensure the successful completion of this critical project, including policy reforms and streamlined processes. [applause] Bigger and faster IT infrastructure requires stronger and more impervious cyber-defense. Our recently launched National Cybersecurity Plan lays down the blueprint for us to safeguard our systems against cyberattacks. With these said, I have directed the agencies concerned to ensure that the speed and quality of our IT development always mirrors the pace and trajectory of our economic aspirations. As energy projects get completed and new investments pour into the sector, we expect our nation’s power supply to increase at a steady pace to meet our growing demand in the next few years. Nonetheless, we are continuously diagnosing and urgently addressing power shortages, as well as the systemic causes of blackouts in unserved and underserved areas. Nireremedyuhan natin ang pangangailangan ng mga lugar na wala pang kuryente at madalas ma-brownout, sa pamamagitan ng microgrid at off-grid systems, at mga missionary small power utilities na sinusuportahan pa rin ng solar. Running through Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan, the newly inaugurated Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose transmission line will further strengthen the reliability of the Luzon power grid. [applause] In the Visayas, all stages of the Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project have likewise been completed. This project shall serve to stabilize the power situation in Western and Central Visayas, and avert recurrences of power outages experienced in the past. Dahil sa proyektong ito, naiwasan ang blackouts sa Panay Island noong Abril hanggang Hunyo, sa kabila ng yellow at red alerts sa rehiyon. [applause] And just last week, the Dumanjug-Corella Line of the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project was energized, enabling the transfer of power between Cebu and Bohol. With these systems currently operating at capacity, these major power lines shall contribute to the efficient power exchanges not only between Luzon and the Visayas, but also involving Mindanao. Energy sharing and transfers between, among, and within the three island groups have now been made possible with the energization last January of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection. [applause] The energization of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection is a defining moment not only for the power sector but for the entire country. Finally, we have connected the power grids of all three major island groups. [applause] The “unified Philippine Grid” is a fulfillment of this dream, whose seeds were planted in the 80s, through a vision bolstered by R&D, which we accomplished by applying typical Filipino persistence and dedication. Batid nating lahat na ang presyo ng kuryente dito sa ating bansa ay mataas. Kaya patuloy tayo sa padadagdag ng mga imprastraktura ng kuryente na magpapababa ng presyo sa kalaunan. Sa kabilang banda, tinitiyak din nating makatarungan ang paniningil sa mga konsyumer. Ilan sa mga hakbang na pinatupad ng pamahalaan ay: una, ang mas maayos at patas na Lifeline Rate program para sa mga mahihirap, lalo na sa mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps; [applause] Pangalawa, ang naging pansamantalang pagsuspinde ng FIT-All Tariff sa ating electric bill; Pangatlo, ang Anti-Bill Shock program; At pang-apat, ang naging pagsuspinde ng Wholesale Electricity Spot Market noong panahon na nag-red alert sa Luzon at Visayas grids; At ang pang-huli, mga refund at pagpapatanggal ng mga sobrang singil sa konsyumer, tulad ng franchise fee. [applause] Binabalikan at binubusisi nating muli ang EPIRA upang malaman kung angkop pa ba ito sa ating kasalukuyang sitwasyon, o napapanahon na, na ito ay amyendahan. [applause] Hinihiling ko sa Kongreso na pagtulungan na natin ito, alang-alang sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino. Sa taas ng presyo ng kuryente sa bansa, nahihirapan hindi lamang ang mga negosyante — kung hindi lalo na ang taumbayan. [applause] As of May this year, twelve thousand kilometers worth of roads and more than one thousand two hundred bridges have been built and upgraded across the country. [applause] Of note, we have provided the budget to upgrade three hundred sixty-seven bridges and almost one thousand six hundred kilometers of road along our country’s longest thoroughfare — the Maharlika Highway — from Luzon all the way to Mindanao. Moreover, significant segments of major expressways, which are part of the Luzon Spine Expressway Network, have now been opened to the public. The C-LEX, NLEX-SLEX Connector, and the Plaridel Bypass will be fully completed by the end of this year. [applause] CALAX and the C5 South Link will be fully operational by next year. Dahil sa mga mahahalagang daan na ito, ang Norte, Gitnang Luzon, Maynila, at Katimugang Luzon ay lalo pa ngayon magiging mas konektado sa isa’t isa. Under our Inter-Island Linkage Bridge Program, we expect two major bridges to be opened to motorists this year. One is the Panguil Bay Bridge — touted as the longest water-spanning bridge in Northern Mindanao. [applause] This bridge will connect Lanao del Norte to Misamis Occidental. The other is the Guicam Bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay, which shall connect Olutanga Island to the mainland of Mindanao. [applause] In addition, travel to and from Clark Airport is now much faster and more convenient, with the inauguration of the twenty-kilometer Airport-New Clark City Access Road in Pampanga. [applause] We are also in the midst of a “railway renaissance”. The Metro Manila Subway Project has logged significant accomplishments in its tunneling works. Sa puntong ito, katumbas na ng tatlo hanggang anim na palapag ang lalim na nahukay, at tuloy-tuloy na na umuusad sa susunod na istasyon. Other railway projects, such as the MRT-7 and the North-South Commuter Railway, are likewise progressing. We will make sure that the right-of-way issues are resolved in the most equitable, efficient, and expeditious manner so that these will not get in the way of our infrastructure development. Bilang bahagi ng LRT 1 Cavite Extension project, ang ruta ng LRT Line 1 sa Metro Manila ay madadagdagan mula sa Baclaran hanggang Sucat. Bubuksan ito sa publiko sa loob ng taong ito. At sa ilang taon, aabot na ang linya na ito hanggang Bacoor. Nagdagdag din tayo ng pitumpu’t anim na bago at modernong mga tren sa LRT 1 upang mas dumami, bumilis, at maging mas kumportable ang biyahe ng mga pasahero. [applause] Kamakailan lamang, binuksan naman nating muli sa publiko ang PNR Bicol Line na may habang isandaang kilometro, mula Naga hanggang sa Legazpi. [applause] Gayundin, patuloy ang pagpapaganda ng ating mga paliparan at ng ating mga daungan para sa ikakaginhawa ng ating mga manlalakbay. Unang-una na rito ay ang Paliparan ng Maynila. Sa pangangasiwa ng pribadong sektor, inaasahang gaganda ang hitsura at serbisyo nito sa mga susunod na taon. Soon, it will be capable of accommodating 48 flights per hour, servicing our ever-increasing local and international flight routes, and catering to more than 62 million passengers every year. More than seventy airport and seaport development projects across the country have now been completed, and another three hundred fifty ongoing projects are set to be completed by the year 2028. [applause] Notably, the capacities of the Passenger Terminal Buildings of the General Santos Airport and the Bicol International Airport have been expanded by three hundred and five hundred percent, now catering to two thousand and one thousand six hundred passengers, respectively. Meanwhile, the Batangas Port PTB, our popular marine gateway to MIMAROPA, the Visayas, and to Mindanao, can now accommodate eight thousand travelers at any given time. Thanks to Congress, the Public-Private Partnership, as a crucial funding mechanism for big-ticket projects, is now institutionalized by the force of law. [applause] PPP is seen to facilitate strategic investments and the timely development of projects under our Build Better More program, especially since around one-fourth of our flagship projects have been envisioned to be funded through this modality. As a perfect example, the NAIA PPP will go down in our history not only as among the largest and fastest approved PPP, but one that has set the bar in terms of openness, transparency, and competitiveness of the process. Through this partnership, our foremost aerial gateway is now primed for a revitalization. Once considered as among the worst and most stressful airports in the world, it will soon be a world-class international airport that we can all be proud of. [applause] But even before that, the UP-PGH Cancer Center is the first PPP to be approved in this administration. Together with the Philippine Cancer Center of the DOH, which broke ground last March, these two specialty hospitals will soon join our nation’s fight against cancer. These Centers will be a godsend to the more than four hundred thousand Filipinos who are afflicted with this deadly disease.Habang ang mga modernong ospital na ito ay ginagawa pa, patuloy tayo sa pagdadagdag at pagpapataas ng kalidad ng ating mga ospital at mga specialty centers. Binuksan na natin sa publiko ang mahigit dalawampung Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service, o mga “BUCAS” Centers, sa iba’t ibang lugar sa bansa. [applause] Intended to decongest public hospitals, these Centers shall provide competent ambulatory care, most especially to the poor and to the disadvantaged, for health conditions that do not require hospital admission. Katuwang din natin ang lokal na pamahalaan sa mga tinatayo nating mga tawag na “Super Health Centers”. Sa tulong ng mga LGUs, malalagyan natin ng sapat na mga doktor at nars ang mga ito, at madadagdagan pa natin sa mga susunod na taon. [applause] Layunin natin na sa lalong madaling panahon, lahat ng lalawigan natin ay may sapat na mga center o pasilidad na may kakayahang makapagbigay ng pangunahing serbisyong-medikal para sa ating mga mamamayan. Samantala, titiyakin natin na ang bawat isang probinsya ay mabibigyan ng Mobile Clinic, upang ang laboratory exam at ilan pang pangunahing serbisyong-medikal ay mapapalapit natin sa ating mga kababayan. [applause] Sa PhilHealth naman, dinamihan na ang klase ng generic na gamot na kasama sa benepisyo para sa mga outpatient. [applause] Mula sa dalawampu’t isang generic na gamot, ay limampu’t tatlo na. May mga bagong gamot para sa altapresyon, at mayroon na rin para sa nerve pain at sa epileptic seizures. [applause] Bilang tugon sa dumaraming insidente at tumataas na presyo ng pagpapagamot, itinaas na ng Philhealth nang mahigit doble ang mga benepisyo para sa mga malulubhang karamdaman, tulad ng acute stroke at pulmonya. Ang limit na ngayon para sa mga kundisyon na ito ay itinaas na hanggang pitumpu’t anim na libong piso at siyamnapung libong piso. [applause] Upang mapaigting pa ang paglaban natin sa cancer, tinaasan ng PhilHealth nang mahigit isanlibong porsyento ang benepisyo para sa pagpapagamot ng breast cancer. [applause] Ang dating limit na isandaang libong piso, ngayon ay ginawa na nating 1.4 million pesos. [applause] Ang benepisyo naman para sa colon cancer ay pinag-ibayo na rin. At bago matapos ang taon, maisasama na rin sa mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth ang chemotherapy para sa cancer sa baga, atay, ovary, at prostate. [applause] Naglaan po tayo ng mas mataas na pondo para sa ating medical assistance program, kaya higit na mas marami pang mga Pilipino ang matutulungan nito ngayong taon. [applause] Aside from our aggressive hiring efforts, we have enhanced medical and allied health programs, allocated seed funds for public medical schools, and launched scholarships, and review and upskilling programs. These are to support the medical and nursing professions, with the goal to strengthen and increase our human resources for health. As part of our recalibrated health approach towards prevention and healthy habits, we are prioritizing vaccinations, nutrition, mental well-being, and active and healthy lifestyles. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating paghahabol sa pagbabakuna ng mga sanggol at ng mga bata — lalo na sa Region 6 at sa BARMM, kung saan kulang pa sa kalahati ang nababakunahan. At tuloy na tuloy din ang Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, na ating binibigyang-tuon ngayong Hulyo, Buwan ng Nutrisyon. Our convergent programs to stamp out hunger and malnutrition were not only successfully launched, but have yielded inspiring results thus far. One survey confirmed that our expanded School-Based Feeding Program has had a significant impact on the physical and mental well-being of more than half of the learner-beneficiaries. Therefore, we will continue to further enhance these feeding programs in our schools and day-care centers. [applause] The recently launched “Walang Gutom 2027” will now be fully rolled out from the initial two thousand three hundred households, now all the way to three hundred thousand food- poor households across the country by the end of this year. But the program will go on until we feed the one million most food-poor families by 2027. [applause] An important component of our strategies to address malnutrition shall be the program for the “First One Thousand Days,” or the first two years of a child’s life. To ensure the health and nutrition of children zero to two years old from the poorest families, we have proposed in the 2025 Budget a new grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program for this purpose. Sa pamamagitan nito, ang isang buntis o ang isang ina na benepisyaryo ng 4Ps ay mabibigyan ng karagdagang tulong-pinansyal na laan para sa kanya at sa kanyang anak. Closely related to these, the DOST has been continuously undertaking scientific research to develop nutritious food and drinks, which can be integrated into the government’s feeding program. Government is aware of the pressing yet delicate social issues of the day, such as the mental well-being of our people. The DOH has launched its comprehensive mental health plan and ensured sufficient supply of medications. PhilHealth has also released this year its mental health benefit package for all its members. At the same time, grassroots and sports-for-all programs are back in the mainstream, catering to Filipinos of all ages. Nailunsad na namang muli ang taunang Palarong Pambansa, matapos ang tatlong taon na pagkakatigil nito dahil sa pandemiya. Binabati natin ang Marikina at Cebu, at ang Kagawaran ng Edukasyon sa kanilang matagumpay na pagtatanghal ng mga Palarong ito. [applause] We will continue to support these health-enhancing sports programs. Through these, we will also set forth our youth on the same well-established path that has taken some of our national champions and renowned athletes to sporting greatness. [applause] As we speak, twenty-eight of our finest athletes are competing in Paris now for the glory of the Philippines. [applause and cheers] Let us wish them well and the best of luck. Sa larangan naman ng edukasyon, investing in our own people is not only a fundamental moral imperative for us, but an economic one as well. In its report, the World Bank revealed that our promising economic growth is largely attributable to our people. The great bulk of the country’s wealth is being created by the skill, the industry, and the resourcefulness of all Filipinos. Ngunit sadyang marami pang ibubuga ang Pinoy. We must harness the totality of the Filipino’s potential. Thus, for consecutive years, we have prioritized an increase in budget for the inclusive development of Filipinos. Not just in food, nutrition and health, but even moreso, in education and training. Recent assessments have revealed the poor reality that more than half of our grades 6, 10, and 12 students have failed to reach the ideal proficiency levels, faring low in information literacy, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Therefore, our national learning recovery program must proceed without the slightest disruption, especially in basic education. Our system of education must be strategically calibrated to make sure that our youth are not only taught to become literate. But, it must also consciously develop them into problem-solvers, and into critical thinkers — hungry for success, ready for the future. Similarly, as we relentlessly address the classroom gap, the digital gap must also be bridged with equal intensity. We are working towards the day when all students will be equipped with computers, smart TVs, essential programs, digital books — and once again, access to reliable power and the Internet. Digitalization and solar-powered electricity must now become the standard features in our schools and in our classrooms. Simply put, this is educational reform through technology. The perennial problem surrounding textbooks shall be resolved. The production of instructional materials, especially textbooks, which are up-to-date and error-free, must be ensured. The whole process, from approval of manuscript to procurement, all the way to distribution, will be cut short from its present three years to just one year. [applause] Ito ngayon ang magiging hamon sa ating bagong Kalihim: na tiyakin ang pagbangon at pagtaas ng kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansa, sa lalong madaling panahon. [applause] Clearly, of course the quality of our education rests on the quality of our teachers. Every classroom that we build will be but an empty and lifeless structure without its moving force — the teacher. But our teachers are not just perfunctory figures in our schools; they are the very foundation of our educational system. And so, as we build and upgrade schools, so too must we uplift and upskill our teachers, whose competence and trademark Filipino patience, determination, and compassion will be at the core of our national learning recovery. Dinagdagan natin ang mga empleyado na hahalili sa mga guro upang magampanan ang mga sari-saring gawain sa paaralan. Sa gayon, ang ating mga guro ay makakatutok nang mabuti sa kanilang propesyon ng pagtuturo. Katuwang ang Kongreso, naisabatas na ang “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo” Act. Ito’y magbibigay sa mga guro sa pampublikong paaralan ng taunang teaching allowance para pambili ng mga kagamitan sa pagtuturo at mga kaugnay na gastusin. [applause] Matatanggap na nila ito simula sa susunod na taon. Mayroon na rin silang Personal Accident Insurance mula sa GSIS. Makakapaghatid din ng dagdag na ginhawa ang Special Hardship Allowance para sa mga karagdagang public school teachers na masasaklaw nito, na nakakaranas ng matinding hirap at panganib sa kanilang araw-araw na pagtatrabaho. At wala na ring “Utang-Tagging” sa mga teachers. Hindi magiging hadlang ang kanilang pagkaka-utang upang makapag-renew ng kanilang mga lisensya. [applause] Bagkus, marapat lamang na sila ay payagan pa ring makapagturo, nang sila ay makapaghanapbuhay at mayroong kinikita. Of equal significance, we have allocated funds to finally implement the expanded career progression system for our public school teachers. This will promote professional development and career advancement with

n their ranks. This expanded system lays out two major career paths for our teachers to pursue: the teaching; and the school administration tracks

each of which shall have ample career growth opportunities.

With this system in place

we will accelerate the career growth of teachers. Sa sistemang ito

wala ng public school teacher ang magre-retire na Teacher I lamang. [applause]

Sa madaling sabi

kung talagang ninanais nating maging matagumpay ang hinahangad nating pagbangon sa larangan ng edukasyon

sila — ang ating mga guro — ang dapat nating itaguyod at patatagin.

Last year

we reported that our system of higher education was gaining international recognition for all the right reasons. As further evidence

eighty-seven of our Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) have now made it into various world university rankings. Fifty-one of them are public universities or colleges. [applause]

Also

we witnessed this past school year a significant rise in the enrollment rate in higher education

both in public and in private institutions. The same upward trend is likewise noted in technical-vocational education and training (TVET).

Statistics do not lie. Eight out of ten graduates of TVET ultimately land decent jobs. So with its high employability rate

TVET will definitely be instrumental in capacitating our people

and in maintaining our employment rate at consistently high levels.

Cognizant of its potential

the DepEd

CHED

DOLE

and TESDA have joined forces now to incorporate TVET in the Senior High School curriculum to further boost the employability of our students. [applause]

The Filipinnovation and Malikhaing Pinoy programs have been launched

both drawing vast interest and inspiring key sectors and the public to generate solutions

to share ideas

and to drive innovation forward across the country.

The IT and creative sectors are burgeoning industries

knowing no territorial bounds

and they hold great promise for our talented and hardworking people.

This is the call of our times

and we are moving to answer that call.

The schools will serve as the preeminent incubators of the innovative and creative energies of all Filipinos.

Advanced learning systems and technologies

in the areas of robotics

artificial intelligence

and the Internet of Things

shall be made available in TVET Innovation Centers nationwide. Highly technical and professional- level training courses will soon be launched

notably in cybersecurity and in the creative industries.

Of our globally ranked HEIs

sixty-three have made it into the WURI Global Top 300 innovative universities. [applause]

In the face of tough global competition

the Mabalacat City College in Pampanga was awarded the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year. [applause] And for the second straight year

Samar State University topped the rankings for its digitally pioneering R&D project entries. [applause]

Relevant scholarships and R&D grants will continue to be available

aligned with our agenda to foster start-ups. To commercialize and mass produce R&D outputs

crucial support

such as intellectual property rights enforcement

and venture financing

have been put in place.

We are also building essential infrastructure and linkages to support the ethical development of artificial intelligence systems for high-impact practical applications.

Since the nation’s foray into space technology

our satellites in space have generated more than fifty-one thousand maps

images and space-borne data for various purposes. These now provide us with vital information that guide our country’s stratagems and decision-making in agricultural development

urban planning and environmental management

including the strengthening of our maritime domain awareness

to name but a few examples.

Along with these discoveries

we are likewise in awe of our countrymen who have carved out their niche as pioneering space scientists and engineers in this emergent field

in collaboration with local space technology companies that provide an additional impetus.

As we speak

sixteen of our space engineers are in the United Kingdom resuming work on the development of the Multi-Spectral Unit for Land Assessment

or the MULA satellite. Once completed

the MULA satellite will be our largest earth observation satellite to be launched into space so far. [applause]

May they inspire the next generation of Filipino students to follow [in] their footsteps and reach for the stars.

Sa ating mga trabahador

our employment rate has increased to 95.9%. [applause] We also saw a significant increase in high-quality jobs. Underemployment too has decreased from 11.7% in May of 2023 to 9.9% today. [applause] This is our lowest number since 2005. [applause]

Notably

we also saw an increase in middle-skilled employment

wage and salaried employment

and full- time jobs.

Magagandang balita pa rin ang mga ito

sa kabila ng nararanasang mataas na presyo ng pagkain.

Bukod sa paglikha ng trabaho

pinalalakas din natin ang kakayahan ng ating mga mamamayan

lalo na sa panahon ng kanilang kagipitan.

Our adaptive and responsive social protection programs assist our countrymen in times of dire need

reaching those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. More importantly

these programs seek to develop their productive potential and bridge their capacities towards self-sufficiency.

With the noble aim of breaking the cycle of poverty across the country

the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has not only consistently accomplished its annual targets. It has also proven its efficacy over the years. [applause]

Mula noong nakaraang SONA

mahigit apat na raan at dalawampung libong pamilya ang nag-graduate sa programa. [applause] Ibig sabihin

sa tulong ng 4Ps

mas gumanda na ang kanilang kalagayan at kakayahang makipagsapalaran sa laban ng buhay. [applause]

Sa katunayan

mahigit apat na libong graduates ng 4Ps ay nasa hanay na ngayon ng mga lisensyadong guro. [applause]

At hindi lamang iyon: tatlumpu’t lima sa mga topnotchers ng sari-saring mga board exams na idinaos nitong nakalipas na dalawang taon ay nagmula sa mga pamilya na benepisyaryo ng 4Ps. [applause]

Ilan sa kanila ay si Teacher Khane Jevie Cervantes ng Davao Oriental

na nakuha ng number one sa Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. [applause and cheers] Isa rin si Engr. Alexis Alegado na nanguna sa Civil Engineering Board Exams noong Abril ng nakalipas na taon. [applause]

Tomorrow — the birthdate of Apolinario Mabini — we cap off the National Disability Rights Week. Our PWDs can rest assured of government’s effective implementation of beneficial policies and programs that will guarantee equitable opportunities

special interventions

and incentives for them.

Mula nang pumasok ang administrasyong ito

nagsimula na ang mga programang pangkabuhayan na nakalaan para sa ating mga PWDs. Sa susunod na taon

ilulunsad naman ng PhilHealth ang benepisyo nito para sa mga batang may kapansanan. [applause]

Halos dinoble na rin ang diskwento na ibinibigay sa mga PWDs

at sa mga senior citizen na tulad ninyo — para sa mga basic necessities at prime commodities. [applause and cheers] Natuwa kayong lahat doon.

Sa lahat ng mga ginagawa nating ito

katuwang natin palagi ang pribadong sektor

lalo na sa mahahalagang bagay ng trabaho at pasahod.

With tripartite consensus

minimum wage levels have been increased in various sectors in all regions

including the BARMM

for workers in private establishments. Makapagdudulot ito ng ginhawa sa mahigit apat na milyong mga kababayan natin at ng kanilang mga pamilya.

Para naman sa ating mga kawani ng gobyerno

mayroon silang maaasahang medical allowance bilang karagdagang benepisyo sa susunod na taon. [applause]

At hindi lamang iyon. Mayroon ding napipintong omento sa suweldo na makukuha nila sa apat na tranches. Naglaan na po tayo ng pondo para dito simula sa taong ito at sa mga susunod na taon. [applause]

Furthermore

we have extended the services of our job order and contract of service personnel working in government. This will also afford them ample opportunity to work on their civil service eligibilities

while gaining additional relevant experience and training to upgrade their employment qualifications.

Our aggressive infrastructure development

business-friendly policies

investment and export promotions

foreign visits

and economic missions

are all aimed at generating not just jobs

A substantial number of investment pledges have already commenced operations

with many more at various stages of development. Sa bilang natin

bukod sa malalaking kita para sa bansa

makakalikha ang mga ito ng mahigit dalawang-daan at dalawang libong trabaho para sa ating mga kababayan. [applause]

The rationalized incentives scheme under the CREATE Act has also made possible the generation of investments amounting to more than one trillion pesos

and more than a hundred thousand new jobs. This promising state of affairs is now beckoning us to create more — through the passage of the CREATE MORE Act. [applause]

Conscious efforts to improve the ease of doing business and of delivering government services

through our digitalization

integration

and streamlining of processes

have produced their intended multiplier effects. Cost savings from operations have translated to higher revenues and to more speedy transactions.

These have effectively addressed the fragmented

overlapping

and time-consuming procedures that have hindered optimal productivity by government.

Attributable to these transformative reforms

government services are becoming more efficient.

More and more systems are now digital and cashless

assimilating individuals

MSMEs

even agricultural workers. These have expedited transactions and commercial exchanges and promoted the convenience of all parties concerned.

Ang Palen-QR ay isa sa mga programang unti-unting lumalakas ang hatak sa publiko at dumarami ang gumagamit.

Bolstering our Cybercrime Prevention Act

the recently passed Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act will further protect the public by heightening the responsibility and security systems of banks and financial institutions

and imposing high criminal liabilities on social engineering schemes and money mules.

Job placement also has seen significant progress

especially through our Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) nationwide. PESOs have harnessed IT capabilities and improved labor-industry coordination. Collectively

they boast a job placement success rate of ninety-eight percent. [applause]

Likewise

due to shortened timelines

we have recorded a significant increase in new business and corporate registrations

including foreign firms

which surpassed last year’s numbers.

The observed chokepoints in our food supply chains and in the logistics sector are now being removed. And

at the same time

the identified gaps are being filled in

to make them efficient

interconnected

and seamless

The approval of energy projects is moving towards complete virtual integration of its required procedures. The expedited processing of our infrastructure flagship projects under the Build Better More program shall also follow suit.

Our digital infrastructure was substantially strengthened courtesy of common towers that more than tripled in number since last year

owing to streamlining of permitting requirements.

Air transport and tourism have been made more convenient

because of the shift to paperless immigration and customs forms

thanks to the E-Travel system. And soon

the piloted E-Gates will be standard fixtures at airports

to further facilitate ease of mobility during departures and arrivals.

And with all these said

the implementation of the Philippine E-Visa will be next in our digital transformation agenda. [applause]

Let us now go to tourism

because we

in the Philippines

have no less than seven thousand six hundred forty-one beautiful reasons to tap the potential of our tourism sector

for which our archipelagic nation is internationally renowned and from which many Filipinos derive their livelihood.

While a resurgence in this all-important sector is being observed

pre-pandemic data present to us a great challenge that we must surpass.

It is a challenge that is well within our grasp.

Our infrastructure and digital reforms

through development of tourism sites and the enhancement of the overall tourist experience

are all calculated to boost the productivity of the tourism sector. While doing so

we shall interpose the wholesome and hospitable Filipino brand in all the key tourism touchpoints — from tourist arrival all the way to departure.

But the tourism challenge has already evolved

and now requires a multi-faceted strategy. The focus now is on “experiential tourism”.