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170 Cagayan villagers still in evacuation centers due to Typhoon Carina | Villamor Visaya Jr. | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:46:29 PST | Cagayan. INQUIRER FILES
Cagayan. INQUIRER FILES
TUGUEGARAO CITY — As Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) continued to intensify on Wednesday, July 24, at least 170 people, or 49 families, remained in evacuation centers in Cagayan due to flooding and landslide threats, according to the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Reports from the PDRRMO showed the following distribution of evacuees:
Gonzaga Town: 72 people, or 22 families, are staying in the Flourishing, Paradise, Progressive, and Amunitan village evacuation sites.
READ: Marikina River update: 3rd alarm up; forced evacuation on
Sta. Ana Town: 31 people, or 11 families, are at the Sta. Ana evacuation center.
Santa Teresita: Nine people, or three families, were forced to flee due to landslide threats.
Peñablanca: 20 people, or five families, sought refuge in the evacuation center, although some have returned home as of last night and this morning.
The Fusina detour bridge connecting Lal-lo and Camalaniugan towns was swept away by floods, according to Elizabeth Rigon, Fusina village chief of Lal-lo.
In Santa Ana, seven villages were flooded, according to Ghea Marie Pacursa, the MDRRMO officer-in-charge. The affected villages are Casambalangan, Centro, Diora-Zinungan, Dungeg, Rapuli, Palawig, and Visitacion.
Meanwhile, farmers in Isabela and Cagayan saw the typhoon as a “blessing” as it brought much-needed rain to parched farms. Marcelo Aguinaldo, 73, of Gamu town in Isabela, said the rains gave them hope that their palay-planted farms would survive. INQ
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The Grand Midori Ortigas Zen sanctuary in the heart of Ortigas | INQUIRER.net BrandRoom | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:28:03 PST | Japan has become the top leisure destination for Filipinos, and it is not without good reason. More than the delicious cuisine and plethora of shopping choices, it’s Japan’s mastery of balancing bustle with peace that makes it so intriguing.
Even in the dynamic city of Tokyo, you can find pockets of calm amid towering structures and past the throngs of people. This may be because of the zen principles that permeate Japanese life and design.
Federal Land Showroom featuring The Grand Midori Ortigas located at Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center
Their affinity for empty space, subtlety, and a sense of naturalness in design helps in fostering the feeling of zen, even in urban settings. But we don’t have to keep traveling to Japan just to experience this. World-renowned Japanese architectural firm Tange Associates has collaborated with Federal Land Inc. to recreate the elegant, serene spaces Japan is known for, right at the heart of Ortigas.
At The Grand Midori Ortigas, residents can expect zen-inspired spaces that truly foster simplicity, harmony, and balance. Designed by Tange Associates, the property infuses Japanese aesthetics, and innovation. The design also goes beyond mere aesthetics, as the features also serve to make the structure more sustainable.
One-Bedroom Model Unit Living and Dining Area. Actual Photo.
The condominium, which spans two towers, houses 908 units, with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom spaces. Aside from the elegantly designed living spaces, its amenities ar also chosen to contribute to the overall zen that the property aims to provide for its residents. The condominium also houses a lounge area, fitness area, yoga room, game room, study lounge, conference room, children’s playroom, multipurpose room, as well as an outdoor lap pool, jacuzzi, children’s pool, pool lounge, and zen garden— all aiming to promote a balanced lifestyle.
Unveiling of the latest Federal Land Showroom in Ortigas.
The Grand Midori Ortigas is also strategically located at the heart of the bustling Ortigas district. It boasts convenient proximity to leisure spaces, restaurants, malls, and other essential establishments like schools and hospitals.
To get a glimpse of the kind of zen lifestyle that awaits at The Grand Midori
Ortigas, visit their newly opened showroom at the ground floor of The Exchange Regency, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center.
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A slice of Japanese living in the Philippines | INQUIRER.net BrandRoom | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:17:54 PST | Japan has often been hailed as a country of the future, with its visitors singing praises of the technology, innovation, convenience, and efficiency that permeate nearly every aspect of Japanese life.
And yet, another inspiring aspect of the country, that visitors are also sure to notice, is how the Land of the Rising Sun maintains its steadfast adherence to their culture.
This intricate balance between looking towards the future and staying grounded in heritage may just be one of the key reasons why Filipinos find Japan an ideal country to visit, especially as every corner of its cities and provinces is filled with inspiring spaces and details.
Luckily, we can get a taste of Japan’s culture, lifestyle, and seasons through The Seasons Residences, established by Federal Land Inc. with renowned Japanese firms Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd., and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.
Japanese design efficiency
The Seasons Residences takes pride in housing iconic innovations that make Japanese living a much-coveted standard. It features amenities and spaces that push forward the Japanese standards of comfort, convenience, and functionality for urban living.
The various spaces within the property, both within its individual units and in its shared areas, demonstrate the high quality of design efficiency that takes inspiration from Japanese aesthetics. The Japanese inclination towards minimalism and a profound connection with nature also align with the growing local demand for properties that are spacious, serene, and thoughtfully designed.
A signature quality of this Japan-inspired property is not only its strong aesthetic sense but also the sustainable and innovative aspects of the construction itself. Among the property’s world-class features include the elegant glass facade that utilizes double-glazed low-emissivity glass, which reduces heat transfer while showcasing stunning city views. The towers at The Seasons Residences are also fitted with viscoelastic coupling dampers, which help the buildings withstand earthquakes and strong winds.
True to its name, the property also pays homage to each of Japan’s beautiful seasons. The gym and landscaped gardens bring to mind the crisp, fresh scenes of spring, while the swimming pool and karaoke room embody vibrant summers. The music room, reading lounge, and business center, meanwhile, evoke the contemplative and creative spirit of autumn, while the wellness spa captures the tranquility of winter.
Of course, these thoughtfully designed spaces extend into the individual units. The residences feature strikingly Japanese aesthetics and technology in each room. Each unit features design elements carefully laid out to create a haven for rest and relaxation. All units have unique storage systems, a space-saving kitchen sink, a rangehood with Japanese oil filter technology, air-washing tiles, and a sunken slab or a below-floor drainage system for easier pipe maintenance. The development also has eco-friendly solutions like water-efficient Japanese-branded shower toilets. All these are housed within generous living spaces in the two-bedroom (60 to 108 sqm) and three-bedroom (116.5 to 177.5 sqm) unit configurations.
Ultimate Japanese shopping experience
MITSUKOSHI BGC, located at the development’s retail podium, complements the Japanese-inspired residences. The renowned Japanese department store chain’s first mall in the Philippines carries a variety of premium retail options, as well as noteworthy food and essential establishments, just an elevator ride away for discerning homeowners.
Among those of interest may be Mitsukoshi Fresh and Mitsukoshi Beauty, which offer a wide array of high quality food and beauty products straight from Japan. The Itadaki Food Court, meanwhile, features a diverse mix of Asian cuisine that can appease a wide range of foodies. Japanese food brands like The Matcha Tokyo and Key Coffee have also established stores in MITSUKOSHI BGC, so visitors are sure to be treated to authentic Japanese culinary experiences. Fashion labels Snidel and Fray I.D. and bookstore Fully Booked x Kinokuniya, have also made their presence felt in the Philippines through this mall.
Not to be missed is Nitori, Japan’s top home decor and furnishings store, which has opened its first Philippine branch in MITSUKOSHI BGC. The furniture brand is known to carry a variety of home items that boast award-winning and innovative designs, all at reasonable prices. Visitors can also try out these well-crafted products themselves to see how they can perfectly suit their lifestyles.
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LIST: Relief operations for people affected by Typhoon Carina | Dianne Sampang | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:48:21 PST | Rescuers (front L) guide residents with their belongings as they evacuate from their flooded homes in Tumana village, Marikina City, east of Manila on July 24, 2024, amid heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Gaemi. Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on July 24, triggering flooding in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
Rescuers (front L) guide residents with their belongings as they evacuate from their flooded homes in Tumana village, Marikina City, east of Manila on July 24, 2024, amid heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Gaemi. Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on July 24, triggering flooding in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines – Donation drives and relief operations were conducted on Wednesday to aid people affected by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon.
Anna Patricia Non, founder of Community Pantry PH, announced on Facebook that the organization is on “standby” to aid affected communities.
She also said they are preparing to distribute hot meals in evacuation centers.
Non-profit organization Tulong Kabataan PH Disaster Response Center called for in-kind and cash donations.
The group said rice, ready-to-eat meals, canned goods, instant noodles, bottled water, and first aid and hygiene kits can be dropped off at the Ateneo de Manila University Leong Hall (Near Gate 3) and University of the Philippines Manila USC Office.
READ: LIST: Malls open for people affected by Typhoon Carina
The Alliance for Concerned Teachers also called for cash and in-kind donations for people affected by the typhoon.
Angat Buhay, the non-government organization founded by former Vice President Leni Robredo, posted its hotline for rescue assistance and coordination with partners and volunteers.
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According to the 11 a.m. weather bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Carina further intensified and was expected to head towards Taiwan and exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday afternoon or evening.
The center of the typhoon was last located 345 kilometers North Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gustiness of up to 205 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over Batanes, while TCWS No. 1 was up in Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Cagayan, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte.
READ: Typhoon Carina further intensifies
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Marcos orders safety measures before releasing dam water amid Carina | Zacarian Sarao | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:17:58 PST | MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told concerned government agencies on Wednesday to ensure communities near dams are warned and evacuated before releasing water, especially in Luzon.
Marcos issued the directive during a situation briefing to assess the effects of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
In the briefing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council informed the President that the Ipo Dam and Bingo Dam already announced at 11 a.m. that they would be opening their gates to release water.
“[‘Yung] mga areas na naabutan… naabisuhan lang o napadalhan natin ng tulong para mag-evacuate? That’s what we need to do,” Marcos said during the situation briefing.
(Have we notified those living in the affected areas or have we sent help for them to evacuate? That’s what we need to do.)
“Iwasan natin ‘yun. Kulang ‘yung pagsasabihan lang natin. Kailangan magpapadala tayo ng sasakyan para [sa evacuation]. [Madala sa] pinakamalapit na evacuation center o puwedeng gamitin na evacuation center,” he added.
(Let’s avoid that. Just announcing it is not enough. We need to send a vehicle for evacuation to the nearest evacuation center or usable evacuation center.)
READ: Metro Manila now under state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina
Marcos also suggested evacuating residents to evacuation centers overnight to “prepare for the downstream.”
Many parts of the country, especially Metro Manila, have been battered by rain and floods since Tuesday due to the effects of Carina and the southwest monsoon.
As of 11:00 a.m., Carina was last spotted 345 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 205 kph, the state weather bureau said.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
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Ninong Ry ‘stays positive’ despite flooded home due to Super Typhoon Carina | Hannah Mallorca | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:44:49 PST | Ninong Ry. Images: Instagram/@ninongry
Ninong Ry. Images: Instagram/@ninongry
Internet personality Ninong Ry shared glimpses of his flooded home in Malabon to his followers on social media, as several roads in Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines got submerge in floodwaters due to rains brought by the southwest monsoon, enhanced by super typhoon Carina.
In videos posted on his social media accounts, Ninong Ry was seen wading through the flood-swamped rooms in his house, as well as the garden on Wednesday, July 24.
“Baha (Flood) update. I’m trying my best to stay positive pero habang palubog ng palubog ang it—g ko, pahirap ng pahirap (but while I’m getting deeper, it’s getting harder),” he wrote.
A post shared by Ryan (@ninongry)
The content creator shared another look at his flooded home in a separate post.
“Naku, baha na. Sara natin baka pumasok ‘yung tubig (Oh no, it’s flooded. Let’s close the door before the water goes inside),” he said in the video.
A post shared by Ryan (@ninongry)
The content creator’s followers, including TV host Luis Manzano, wished for his safety in the comments.
Screenshot from Instagram/@ninongry
Born Ryan Morales Reyes, Ninong Ry is best known for creating food-related videos on YouTube, TikTok, and other digital platforms. He welcomed his first child with his non-showbiz partner in May 2024.
Metro Manila has been put in a state of calamity following incessant rains and flooding brought by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Carina, according to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos.
Carina developed into a super typhoon on Wednesday afternoon, according to Pagasa.
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PH wants to test Indian market; chartered flights eyed by 2024 | Philippine News Agency | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:43:08 PST | department of tourism
department of tourism
MANILA – Talks are ongoing for flights between the Philippines and India, with initial chartered flights testing the Indian market expected to be out by the end of the year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2024 post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions in Pasay City, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said talks between the two countries are progressing well.
“There have already been successful talks in terms of air talks together with the CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), of which the DOT is a member, in trying to entice our local carriers plus carriers from India to mount flights to the Philippines,” she told reporters.
READ: India backs PH in upholding sovereignty in WPS
She said the DOT has proposed to “test the market through charter flights,” as well as through coordination with local tour operators and travel agencies to mount group travel from India to prove there is a growing demand for them to come to the Philippines.
“Hopefully, with these negotiations and collaborations that we made in cooperation with the Department of Transportation, we will be seeing good news in terms of mounted flights before the end of the year,” she said.
The government is preparing the country’s tourism landscape to fully capture the market and has been pushing to streamline the e-Visa system for Indian tourists, one of the biggest outbound travel markets in the world.
Last year, Indian nationals ranked 13th in terms of arrival at 70,286.
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Olongapo malls open for flood-hit residents | Joanna Rose Aglibot | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:26:52 PST | OLONGAPO CITY — The malls in this city opened their doors on Wednesday, July 24, to residents affected by heavy rains and floods brought by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina.
SM City Olongapo Central and SM City Olongapo Downtown announced they would accommodate those seeking temporary shelter. Ayala Malls Harbor Point also welcomed customers to wait out the storm inside their premises.
Additionally, the malls announced that overnight parking fees would be waived on Wednesday.
READ: LIST: Malls open for people affected by Typhoon Carina
Several villages in the city were submerged by floods as rivers breached their banks around 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
Data from the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office showed that the water level in the river flowing beneath Del Rosario, Sta. Rita and Kalaklan Bridge had reached three meters. INQ
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Pagasa: Red rainfall warning remains in Metro Manila, nearby areas | Dianne Sampang | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:21:36 PST | MANILA, Philippines — A red rainfall warning was still raised over Metro Manila and nearby areas on Wednesday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported.
In a 2 p.m. weather advisory, Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac were placed under a red rainfall alert due to the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, by Typhoon Carina.
READ: Red rainfall warning raised over Metro Manila, nearby areas
Areas under the red rainfall warning are expected to experience over 30 millimeters (mm) of rain within the next two hours, with possible “serious” flooding in flood-prone areas.
Meanwhile, a yellow rainfall warning was placed in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and some parts of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real, Mauban, and Sampaloc). These areas are forecast to have between 7.5 mm and 15 mm of rain within an hour or the next two hours with possible flooding in flood-prone areas.
According to Pagasa in its 11 a.m. weather forecast, Carina continued to intensify as it was expected to make landfall in Taiwan and exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday afternoon or evening.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over Batanes, while TCWS No. 1 was up in the Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Cagayan, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte.
READ: Typhoon Carina further intensifies
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Budget deficit declines in June | Philippine News Agency | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:00:33 PST | Bureau of the Treasury
Bureau of the Treasury
MANILA – The national government’s budget deficit went down to P209.1 billion in June from P225.4 billion a year ago as revenue collection grew faster than government expenditures.
The Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) cash operations report released on Wednesday showed that revenues during the month amounted to P296.5 billion, higher by 10.93 percent than last year’s P267.3 billion.
Data showed that the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s collection amounted to P172.5 billion, up by 4.71 percent year-on-year, while collections by the Bureau of Customs slightly increased by 0.67 percent to P74.6 billion.
READ: Gov’t back to fiscal deficit in May
The BTr brought in P7.4 billion in June, declining by 30.99 percent from the 2023 comparable collection due to lower dividend remittance and income from BTr managed funds.
June collections from other offices, which include other non-tax, including privatization proceeds and fees and charges, surged to P39.8 billion, more than twice the level registered a year ago.
Government expenditures, meanwhile, amounted to P505.6 billion, outperforming the previous year’s P492.7 billion actual expenditures by 2.62 percent.
READ: PH gov’t swings back to budget deficit
“The increase was mostly attributed to the implementation of capital outlay projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of National Defense under its Revised AFP Modernization Program, the preparatory activities of the Commission on Elections for the 2025 National and Local Elections, and the higher National Tax Allotment shares of LGUs,” said the BTr.
“The growth of June spending was, however, tempered by lower subsidy releases and net lending assistance to (GOCC) government-owned and controlled corporations,” it added.
For the first half of the year, the budget gap widened to P613.9 billion, 11.27 percent higher than last year but 7.24 percent below the P661.8 billion midyear program due to the better-than-programmed revenues.
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Total revenue collections as of end-June reached P2.15 trillion, up by 15.56 percent from last year, while expenditures reached P2.76 trillion, also higher by 14.58 percent and outpacing the P2.74 trillion midyear program by 0.90 percent.
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Paris Olympics 2024: Meet Team Philippines’ gymnastics bets | Rommel Fuertes Jr. | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:49:00 PST | Carlos Yulo is one of the athletes looked upon to deliver a medal for Team Philippines in the Paris Olympics 2024.
Carlos Yulo is one of the athletes looked upon to deliver a medal for Team Philippines in the Paris Olympics 2024.
With four Filipino athletes vying for medals in the Paris Olympics 2024 gymnastics events, Inquirer Sports breaks down how they could fare in the Summer Games.
Below are everything you need to know for Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Jung-Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo’s trip to the French capital.
READ: Team Philippines in Paris Olympics 2024: Meet the athletes
From July 27 to Aug. 5, gymnasts will compete at Bercy Arena for all the events.
The men’s gymnasts will be competing on six apparatus: floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bars.
Meanwhile, the women will compete on four: vault, asymmetric bars, balance beam and floor.
Qualification rounds decide who moves on to the team, individual all-around and individual apparatus finals, with eight teams advancing to the finals.
14 medals will be up for grabs in the Paris Olympics.
Two medals will be determined from team events. The other 12 will be competed for individually.
FILE–Carlos Yulo at the 2024 Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.–Photo from Carlos Yulo’s Instagram
Household name Yulo will be competing after a tremendous outing in the 2024 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championship.
The two-time world champion is widely regarded as one of the favorites to land a medal, possibly gold, in the Summer Games.
Filipino gymnasts Emma Malabuyo, Aleah Finnegan, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar gear up for the Paris Olympics 2024 competition.
Finnegan will also get a chance to shine after her gold-medal run in the US NCAA with Louisiana State University.
Eighteen-year-old Jung-Ruivivar, one of the youngest for Team Philippines, will also showcase her talents after a silver-medal win in the 2024 Doha World Cup for the uneven bars events.
Malabuyo, who also showed out in the Asian Artistics Gymnastics Championship, will also be a gymnast to look out for.
Cignal TV will air the Paris Olympics through free TV channels One Sports, RPTV and TV5 and pay-TV channel One Sports+.
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Livestreaming will be via the Pilipinas Live app and Smart LiveStream.
Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024.
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Dianne Medina, Rodjun Cruz welcome second child Isabella Elizabeth | Hannah Mallorca | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:03:07 PST | (From left) Dianne Medina and Rodjun Cruz with their second child Isabella Elizabeth. Images: Instagram/@rodjuncruz
(From left) Dianne Medina and Rodjun Cruz with their second child Isabella Elizabeth. Images: Instagram/@rodjuncruz
Dianne Medina and husband Rodjun Cruz welcomed their second child after she gave birth to their daughter, Maria Isabella Elizabeth Medina Ilustre, amid birth complications.
Medina took to her Instagram page on Tuesday, July 23 to share a glimpse of her daughter’s face, saying she managed to have a safe delivery despite having experiences many health snags leading to her daughter’s birth.
“My Answered Prayer. My Baby Maria Isabella Elizabeth Medina Ilustre @isabella_ilustre. Thank you, Lord for everything! I had the ff during my pregnancy: Gestational Hypertension, Gestational Diabetes, Cardiac Arrythmia, Polyhydramnios,” she wrote.
A post shared by Dianne Medina Ilustre (@dianne_medina)
The actress-TV host also thanked her doctors and those who extended their prayers.
“Thank you, Lord. No complications or anything! All Glory and Honor is yours, Almighty Father. Thank you for answering my prayers! Salamat rin po sa mga nagdasal (Thank you to those who prayed for us),” she wrote. “Thank you to my super bait, maalaga and magagaling na (kind, caring, and great) doctors. Thank you Lord.”
Meanwhile, Cruz said their second child is the “best gift” he and Medina received from God in a separate post.
“The best na regalo ang binigay sa’tin ni Lord ngayon! Grabe! Ang ating second baby. Our princess @isabella_ilustre . So proud of you, wife! Ang tapang mo. Sa nasaksihan ko kanina mas lalo pang tumindi ang pagmamahal ko sayo. Saludo ako sayo! I love so much,” he said.
(This is the best gift that the Lord has given to us. Our second baby, our princess. I’m so proud of you, my wife. You’re brave. I witnessed how much my love grew for you. I salute you. I love you so much.)
A post shared by Rodjun Cruz Ilustre (@rodjuncruz)
The couple received well wishes from their followers and celebrities in the comments, including Carla Abellana, Coney Reyes, Arron Villaflor, Jak Roberto, Mark Herras, Rocco Nacino, Maxine Medina, Kris Bernal, Charee Pineda, Yasmien Kurdi, and Jo Berry.
Screenshots from Instagram/@dianne_medina
Screenshots from Instagram/@rodjuncruz
Medina and Cruz announced they were expecting their second child in March 2024 and confirmed the baby’s gender a month later.
The couple tied the knot in December 2019 and welcomed their first child Joaquin nine months later.
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Filipino short stories we read in high school that we want to see onscreen | No author found | 2020-03-14T04:03:54+00:00 | The Supreme Court might disagree, but the Filipino subject is one of the last lungs of our national identity. What Tanggol Wika (Alyansa ng Mga Tagapagtanggol ng Wika Filipino) said last year was true—removing it from the college curriculum is like cultural genocide. As bad luck and poor decision-making would have it, the future generations got robbed of the chance. Now what?
Read more: 6 Filipino literature that deserve your undivided attention
This is not the end-all be-all, but let’s trace back to when studying Filipino was at its peak for most of us: high school. Aside from bouts of sabayang pagbigkas practice hours, heated Balagtasan contests and countless plays recreating iconic “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” scenes, the subject propelled our appreciation for Philippine literature. This was through the award-winning Filipino short stories we were tasked to read—and most importantly—analyze. Admit it: You enjoyed it.
Now, with Bob Ong’s thriller novel “Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” and Ricky Lee’s short story “Servando Magdamag,” turning into films soon, we’re pumped now more than ever. What if we give the same opportunity to the stories that grew up with us? Here are award-winning Filipino short stories we want to see onscreen—whether as a show or a movie. It’s the spotlight Philippine literature deserves.
Read more: These award-winning books show why PH literature belongs in college curriculums
For a story that occurs in just one afternoon, “Ang Kalupi” twists our heads in unapologetic 180-degree fashion. While buying a graduation gift for her favorite kid at the market, Aling Marta finds out that her wallet is missing. As she feels her pockets, a scene from minutes ago replays: A young boy—wearing grubby jeans and a torn shirt—bumped her on the way. Well, that’s what’s going on in her mind at least. But we could tell you it was purely an accident.
You could guess what happens next. Aling Marta storms off, confronts the kid and threatens the life out of him. It was probably the most stressful four (or five or six) hours of their lives. But the wildness of this story isn’t just rooted in its plot twists. It’s also in the hard truth it offers to the readers because, yeah, we’ve all judged each other a little too much. But “Ang Kalupi” tells us that empathy should win over. Society’s prejudice about the lower class is more horrifying than we think.
I don’t know about you, but the quaint title of this Palanca Award-winning piece conjures the visual of many, many colors. It’s a happy story for sure, right?
Don’t make assumptions yet until you meet this young girl. In her class, she’s often quiet and alone. Her classmates dread how she wears the same clothes and doesn’t bring food to school. The teases grow louder and louder. Eventually, she decides she’s not having it anymore. Then, surprise, she tells her classmates she has 100 clothes at home. They believe her. Vivid and powerful, this story tackles the helplessness of those who are discriminated against.
Before all the hit Wattpad fics and digestible internet meet cutes, there was “Dead Stars.” An OG reading material in schools, this story gives a detailed depiction of how love, relationships and fidelity played out in early 20th century Philippines.
Descriptive and reasonably frustrating, this story shows us how people can grow bad when stuck in fantasies and illusions of love. Because of this selfishness, people can be trapped in timelines they shouldn’t stay in—and eventually ruin what they have in the present. This story written in 1925 ushered in an era of Philippine lit writing in English. Aside from that, this was also used as an early feminist material as it tried to defy the stereotype that men are more strong-willed and women are more emotional.
Read more: Remember when Wattpad made us all writers?
What’s in a farmer’s life? “Ang Pamana” follows the story of farmers Mang Karyas and Aling Asyang and their son Kiyel. Its clever pacing makes way for vivid details, making us flies on the wall of the family’s tale of hardships in the fields. Like sticky notes posted all over the house, Mang Karyas and Aling Asyang repeatedly tell Kiyel not to be a farmer when he grows up.
Eventually, Kiyel gets the privilege of graduating with a college degree. When he’s set to come home to his hometown and meet his parents again, Mang Karyas is on the edge of his seat wanting to see how Kiyel finally made it in life. However, hell breaks loose when Kiyel reveals he took up agriculture. Painful and raw, this story highlights how farmers in the Philippines are unrecognized and deprived of a good life.
Read more: For your consideration: 5 TV shows based on Philippine mythology
Quite ironic how the backbone of our nation’s economy is experiencing the most difficult state. Quite horrifying how this story from decades ago still mirrors the present.
But even though the issues depicted in classic literature remain today, we shouldn’t forget that there can be a redeeming curve in the end. And we can’t wait to see that onscreen, too.
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Marcos: Declaring state of calamity in NCR under LGU’s prerogative | Zacarian Sarao | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:11:47 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Declaring a state of calamity in Metro Manila is under the prerogative of local government executives, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Wednesday.
Marcos said this after Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. recommended the declaration of a state of calamity in Metro Manila amid the heavy rain and flooding caused by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
“No. Usually ang state of calamity is the LGU (local government unit) executive. ‘Pag regional, it’s because nagka-sabay-sabay. Magiging calamity sa ano, pagka three regions ang involved, then already the national has to come in. That’s a national calamity already. Wala na kaming choice doon,” said Marcos.
(Usually, the state of calamity is declared by the LGU executive. If it’s regional, it’s because it happened at the same time. It will be a calamity when three regions are involved, then already the national government has to come in. That’s a national calamity already. We have no choice there.)
“But it’s up to the local communities to decide because they know best, they know best what they need,” he added.
He, however, assured the public that the government is already working on the funds the LGUs can access should a state of calamity be declared.
Many parts of Metro Manila have already been flooded by rains since Tuesday due to Carina and the habagat, rendering several roads impassable.
READ: LIST: Impassable roads outside of Metro Manila
As of 11:00 a.m., Carina was last spotted 345 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 205 kph, the state weather bureau said.
LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
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LOOK: Police aid flooded Makati elementary school amid Carina | Faith Argosino | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:48:25 PST | (Photo courtesy of Makati police)
(Photo courtesy of Makati police)
MANILA, Philippines — Authorities offered assistance to a flooded elementary school in Makati City on Wednesday morning, according to the city police.
In a report, Makati police said its District Community Affairs Development Division personnel received a text message from one of the staff of Maximo Elementary School in Carmona asking for help around 5:45 a.m.
READ: LIST: Malls open for people affected by Typhoon Carina
As seen from the videos and photos from the police, school supplies, chairs, and tables, among other things, were submerged in flood due to heavy rains brought by typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
(Photo courtesy of Makati police)
The Makati police said its team initiated assistance by removing waste around the school to avoid clogging the flood drainage.
They also transferred school supplies consisting of more or less 5,000 textbooks, shoes, emergency kits, school uniforms, bags, and electronic gadgets like television monitors from lower floors to upper floors.
(Photo courtesy of Makati police)
Police personnel who conducted the operation were joined by school maintenance workers and teachers.
Based on the state weather bureau’s 11 a.m. bulletin, Typhoon Carina was last spotted some 345 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving north-northwest at 15 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 165 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.
It also enhanced the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which is expected to bring moderate to intense rainfall in the western part of Luzon from Wednesday to Friday.
(Photo courtesy of Makati police)
READ: Things to do when living in hazardous area and rain is heavy
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Manila Mayor tells kids wading through floods: ‘Go home!’ | Charie Abarca | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:45:12 PST | Rescuers paddle their boats along a flooded street in Manila on July 24, 2024 amid heavy rains brought by Typhoon Gaemi. Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on July 24, triggering flooding in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
Rescuers paddle their boats along a flooded street in Manila on July 24, 2024 amid heavy rains brought by Typhoon Gaemi. Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on July 24, triggering flooding in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — “Hindi ‘yan swimming pool. Uwi!” (It’s not a swimming pool. Go home!)
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna couldn’t help but exclaim these words on Wednesday upon seeing children wading through flood waters in the city.
At the time, Lacuna was conducting roving operations in the city to provide flood situation updates in light of the incessant rains brought by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat.
FOR EMERGENCIES: List of government hotlines
After seeing the children playing amid torrential rains and knee-deep floods, Lacuna urged Manileños to take care of their children.
“Mga magulang, napaka delikado po dito. Naku po, may lumalangoy pa. Sawayin po ninyo ang inyong mga anak,” she said.
(Parents, it’s very dangerous here. Someone is even swimming. Reprimand your children.)
“Nananawagan po ako sa lahat po ng mga magulang, please lang po, delikado po sa inyong mga anak na nasa labas. Pauwiin niyo po. Bilangin niyo po ‘yung mga anak niyo kung kumpleto kayo. Mahirap pong may madisgrasya dito ngayon,” she added.
(I am calling on all parents, please, it is dangerous for your children to be outside. Please send them home. Please count your children if they are complete. It’s hard to have an accident here now.)
The state weather bureau, in its early morning forecast, warned residents of Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, and Laguna against occasional rains.
Dwellers in these areas were also told to be vigilant against possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to intense downpours.
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As of posting time, no tropical cyclone wind signal was raised over Metro Manila, but the state weather bureau warned the habagat may also bring strong to gale-force gusts over the region.
Carina is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday or early Thursday morning.
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NDRRMC: Identify, prioritize isolated areas in rescue, relief drive | Zacarian Sarao | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:15:43 PST | The swollen Marikina River as of 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24. (Ram Nabong / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday told the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) to prioritize identifying isolated areas in order to expedite the deployment and distribution of assistance and aid amid intense rain and flooding.
Marcos made the pronouncement upon meeting the NDRRMC for a briefer on the country’s current situation amid the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and “habagat.”
“That’s what we need to see, moving focus our attention para the moment na bumaba ang tubig maging passable ang daan, makapunta na sila rescuers agad,” said Marcos.
(That’s what we need to see, moving our attention so that once the water subsides and the roads are passable, the rescuers can proceed immediately.)
“Para mapaghandaan natin mabuti, we need to know where they are. We need to identify those areas, so that we’ll know which ones ano ‘yung hindi pa natutulungan,” he added.
(So that we can prepare well, we need to know where they are. We need to identify those areas, so that we’ll know those who still need help.)
He also ordered the NDRRMC to work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Office of the Civil Defense.
Marcos emphasized that the NDRRMC should not only provide assistance to evacuees inside evacuation centers but also ensure support for those outside the centers.
The heavy rain and flooding caused by Typhoon Carina and the “habagat” inundated many roads in Metro Manila, disrupting vehicular traffic and emergency response.
As of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Carina was spotted some 345 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 205 kph, the state weather bureau said.
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Evacuate, ensure safety of pets too during disasters – PAWS | Dianne Sampang | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:37:05 PST | (PAWS/Facebook)
(PAWS/Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — They need us, too.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) on Wednesday urged pet owners to be vigilant in evacuating their pets amid the prevailing inclement weather.
“We urge pet owners to be vigilant in safeguarding their animals in these trying times. Evacuation plans must include all family members, including pets. They depend entirely on us for their survival in times of disaster,” PAWS said in a social media post.
PAWS also told pet owners to be resourceful and use items like laundry baskets or basins as makeshift carriers if they don’t have crates or cages.
“NEVER LEAVE THEM BEHIND. Abandoning your pets should only ever be your LAST resort,” the post added.
PAWS also reminded pet owners to unchain their pets and unlock their cages if they can’t flee with them.
According to the 11 a.m. weather bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Typhoon Carina further intensified on Wednesday morning and is expected to make landfall in Taiwan in the afternoon or evening.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over Batanes, while TCWS No. 1 is up over the Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Cagayan, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte.
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North Luzon Expressway motorists stranded due to floods | Carmela Reyes-Estrope | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:55:16 PST | LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
Cars are submerged in flood waters following heavy rains brought by Typhoon #CarinaPH and the southwest monsoon as of 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24. | PHOTO: Mikey Corleone/Facebook
CITY OF MEYCAUAYAN — Motorists were stranded Wednesday along the northbound and southbound lanes of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Valenzuela City due to floods caused by rains from Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
In an 8 a.m. advisory released by NLEX through its social media page, the expressway giant reported that the tail end of the traffic jam had reached the Balintawak area in Quezon City. The affected stretch of the expressway was not passable to all vehicles due to water buildup.
The Valenzuela section of the MacArthur Highway was flooded and impassable to all vehicles since dawn.
NLEX motorists began to be stranded around 7 a.m.
READ: LIST: Impassable roads outside of Metro Manila
Metro Manila, Cavite, Bataan, Pampanga, and Laguna are under a red alert warning for heavy rainfall, according to the state weather bureau.
The Marilao and Meycauayan southbound entrances, and the Lawang Bato and Paso De Blas northbound entrances, were temporarily closed due to flooding.
The entry ramps of the NLEX Connector in España and the NLEX Connector in C3 were also not passable to Class 1 vehicles due to similar water buildup.
Floodwater is being pumped out by NLEX crew, but as of posting time, motorists remained stranded on the expressway. INQ
Photo Caption:
The Balintawak portion of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) where the tail end of the stranded motorists stretched on Wednesday morning (July 24) due to rains brought by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina. (Photo by Carmela Reyes-Estrope)
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Carina leaves 5 dead in Batangas | Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:00:29 PST | LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
LUCENA CITY — Four residents, including a pregnant woman, died in a landslide Tuesday in Agoncillo town, and another was killed after a tree fell on him in Nasugbu town, both in Batangas province, during the onslaught of Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi).
The local government of Agoncillo reported on its Facebook page that the victims’ bodies were recovered Wednesday, July 24, hours after the landslide incident in Barangay Subic Ilaya.
READ: Classes suspended in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal due to bad weather
“The victims are members of the Rimas family: a six-month pregnant woman aged 28 and three minors aged 9, 13, and 15,” the report said. The report did not identify the victims’ names.
The local authorities continue to conduct evacuation of residents in the area. “Let us always exercise utmost caution,” they appealed.
In Nasugbu town, police reported that “Virgilo,” 46, a soup vendor, died after he was pinned down by an uprooted huge acacia tree in Barangay Poblacion 3. He died around 9:30 p.m. on the way to a local hospital.
The report stated that the tree was uprooted due to strong winds and heavy rains caused by Carina.
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Residents near Olongapo River told to evacuate due to heavy rainfall | Joanna Rose Aglibot | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:50:38 PST | LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
Photo from Olongapo CPO, Police Station 1/FACEBOOK
OLONGAPO CITY — Residents near a river in this city were advised to evacuate as it breached its banks around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24.
Data from the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) showed that the water level in the river flowing beneath Del Rosario, Sta. Rita and Kalaklan Bridge reached three meters.
In its 8 a.m. advisory, the DRRMO reported that 15 to 30 millimeters of rainfall had been observed in the city over the past hour, with continued rain expected for the next two hours.
Several villages in the city were flooded, and the high tide at 11:13 a.m. was expected to worsen the situation. INQ
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La Mesa Dam water level seen to rise more, overflow looms | John Eric Mendoza | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:53:25 PST | (INQUIRER FILR PHOTO/ JAM STA ROSA)
(INQUIRER FILR PHOTO/ JAM STA ROSA)
FOR EMERGENCIES: List of government hotlines
MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — La Mesa Dam’s water level is expected to rise due to rains brought by Super Typhoon Carina, state meteorologists said on Wednesday as it urged residents near Tullahan River to be alert for possible flooding.
As of 11:50 a.m., the water level in La Mesa dam was at 79.41 meters, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) hydrological situationer.
However, as of 4:00 p.m., the water level reached 80 meters, according to Pagasa’s second update.
Upon reaching 80.15 meters, Pagasa said excess water from La Mesa Dam is expected to overflow.
Should this occur, residents from low-lying areas along Tullahan River in Quezon City (Barangay Fairview, Forest Hills Subd. Sta Quiteria, and San Bartolome); in Valenzuela City (Barangay Ligon, Barangay North Expressway and La Huerta Subdivision); and Malabon City, should be on alert.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
“All the residents living in the aforementioned areas, especially those near the river banks are advised to be alert for possible flooding,” Pagasa said.
Carina is enhancing the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which is forecast to trigger heavy rains in Metro Manila and many parts of Luzon, according to the state weather bureau.
Super Typhoon Carina’s center is located 380 km north of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center with gustiness of up to 230 kph, according to Pagasa’s 5:00 p.m. update.
READ: Carina intensifies into super typhoon — Pagasa
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Nadine Samonte airs frustration after shabby treatment at GMA Gala 2024 | Hannah Mallorca | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:12:46 PST | Nadine Samonte. Image: Philip Viktor via Instagram/@nadinesamonte
Nadine Samonte. Image: Philip Viktor via Instagram/@nadinesamonte
Nadine Samonte admitted feeling “frustrated and lost” after receiving shabby treatment at the GMA Gala 2024, despite preparing for the star-studded event since last year.
In an interview on Ogie Diaz’s Showbiz vlog last Tuesday, July 23, Samonte said that despite her having complied with the RSVP, the treatment she received was not commensurate to the effort and preparation she made for the night, thus she decided not to finish the program and leave.
“Hindi ko kasi mapigilan ang team ko na magpost sila at maglabas ng sama ng loob. Siyempre, nagpagod at naghirap kaming gawin ang shoot, pagandahin ako for almost a year of preparation tapos ‘yun lang ang nangyari. Paglabas ko sa event, hindi ko natapos ang program. I was so frustrated and so down and lost,” she said.
(I couldn’t stop my team from airing out their dismay. Of course, they put in a lot of effort for this shoot, to make me look beautiful after almost a year of preparation then this is what happened. When I attended the event, I didn’t finish the program. I was so frustrated and so down and lost.)
The actress reiterated that she prepared for the gala since last year, including handling the necessary bookings and deciding on the theme, expenses, and other related matters. Despite this, she pointed out that she never expected to be treated as a VIP.
“I wasn’t really expecting na maitrato ako as VIP but I was just wishing na maitrato [ako] fairly,” Samonte added. “Noong binigyan nila ako ng invitation for that gala, nag-RSVP ako kasi kung hindi ka makaka-RSVP, hindi ka makakapasok. I even asked them if I can bring my husband, sabi I cannot… Pagdating ko d’un, my name was not on the list.”
(I wasn’t really expecting to be treated as a VIP but I was just wishing to be treated fairly. When I received an invitation for the gala, I RSVP’ed for the event. If you can’t RSVP, you can’t go inside. I even asked them if I could bring my husband. They said I cannot. When I arrived there, my name was not on the list.)
After multiple attempts to say her “last name,” Samonte recalled that she was allowed inside after disclosing that she had a show with GMA. She was then brought to sit at a table, however, it was already full and it already had the names of the guests.
“When I went inside, sobrang puno ng table… may mga pangalan… nahihiya naman ako if uupo ako but it’s not my name,” she said. “I called my handler and sabi I can go to Table 44. Nagulat ako, dulong dulong table and walang nakaupo d’un. Ako lang. May dalawang lalaki lang.”
(When I went inside, the table was full. There were names. I was embarrassed if I would sit there but my name wasn’t there. I called my handler and they told me I could go to Table 44. I was surprised. It was at the far end and no one was seated there. Just me and two other guys.)
Despite having a table, the actress confessed that she still felt dismayed over the incident.
“Nag-RSVP naman ako. They even messaged me the list ng mga artista na papasok nang 6 to 7 p.m. and nan’dun ako. How come wala ako sa list and sa registration. I feel so kawawa… I prepared for this since last year. Lahat ng efforts binigay ko talaga. ‘Yung team ko, they were so excited also,” she said.
(I did the RSVP. They even messaged me the list of celebrities who would arrive from 6 to 7 p.m. and I was there. How come I wasn’t on the list and the registration? I feel so low. I prepared for this since last year. I put all my efforts into this. My team was so excited also.)
A post shared by Nadine Samonte Chua (@nadinesamonte)
Samonte, however, reiterated that she’s thankful to GMA for extending an invitation to her. But she hoped that the production would “be more vigilant” when it comes to addressing matters like this.
“I’m hoping na sana mas naayos ‘tong situation ko nang tama. Masama lang loob ko but it’s okay. I’m thankful sa GMA kahit papaano na na-invite ako sa malaking event na once a year and I’m thankful na meron akong bagong show with them. Next year, I hope the production will be more vigilant.
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(I’m hoping this situation will be addressed properly. I’m upset but it’s okay. I’m thankful to GMA because I was invited to this huge event and I have a new show with them. Next year, I hope the production will be more vigilant.)
GMA has yet to address Samonte’s statement, as of press time.
The GMA Gala 2024, held at the Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City last July 20, gathered the network’s biggest names and up-and-coming stars. Also part of the event were the hosts of the noontime show “It’s Showtime,” politicians, influencers, and executives from ABS-CBN.
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INQToday: Carina intensifies further, may become super typhoon; Flood hits Metro Manila roads | INQUIRER.net | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:16:10 PST | Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Typhoon Carina further intensified on Wednesday morning and is expected to make landfall in Taiwan in the afternoon or evening, the state weather bureau said.
As of 11:00 a.m., Carina was last spotted 345 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 205 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Gutter to chest-high floods affected many roads in Metro Manila on Wednesday due to heavy rains, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered all concerned agencies to extend “swift” assistance to those affected by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
Marcos made the pronouncement as heavy rain and flooding battered and inundated several parts of the country on Wednesday, including Metro Manila.
Four persons, including a pregnant woman, were killed in a landslide in Agoncillo, Batangas province due to incessant rains.
The local government of Agoncillo on Wednesday said the landslide struck in Sitio Manalao, Subic Ilaya.
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LIST: Malls open for people affected by Typhoon Carina | Dianne Sampang | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:49:12 PST | People walk along a flooded street in Manila on July 24, 2024, amid heavy rains from Typhoon Gaemi. (Photo by Jam Sta Rosa / AFP)
People walk along a flooded street in Manila on July 24, 2024, amid heavy rains from Typhoon Gaemi. (Photo by Jam Sta Rosa / AFP)
FOR EMERGENCIES: List of government hotlines
MANILA, Philippines — Several malls on Wednesday opened their doors to people affected by heavy rains and floods caused by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon.
The following malls announced that overnight parking, WiFi access, and charging stations will be free on July 24:
Meanwhile, Ayala Malls said that “designated waiting areas and restrooms are accessible beyond mall operating hours, and overnight parking fees are waived” in the following malls:
The company also said Ayala Malls Cloverleaf and Ayala Malls Trinoma will close at 6 p.m. due to unfavorable weather but “designated waiting areas, restrooms, and charging stations will remain accessible for mallgoers to wait out the storm.”
Additionally, Filinvest Malls said it was committed to providing a safe space for those seeking temporary shelter and offered access to charging stations, restrooms, and waived overnight parking in the following malls:
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Typhoon Carina further intensified on Wednesday morning and is expected to make landfall in Taiwan in the afternoon or evening.
READ: Typhoon Carina further intensifies
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over Batanes, while TCWS No. 1 was up in the Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Cagayan, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte.
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Grim weather disrupts airport operations – Caap | Faith Argosino | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:05:04 PST | CAAP logo/airplane at the airport on the background. INQUIRER.net FILES
CAAP logo/airplane at the airport on the background. INQUIRER.net FILES
MANILA, Philippines – Four airports suspended operations on Wednesday due to the effects of Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).
In its 9:30 a.m. situational report, Caap reported that the airports which suspended operations amid heavy rainfall are:
Meanwhile, the following airports partially suspended their operations or canceled a few flights:
Sangley Airport (Suspended aerodrome operations due to flooding at the runway and apron)
Tacloban Airport (One canceled flight on Tuesday and four delayed flights on Wednesday)
Lubang Airport (No General Aviation operations)
Palanan Airport (Operations resumed with one flight as of the moment: Palanan-Cauayan)
Laoag International Airport (Visual Flight Rules operations are suspended)
Cauayan Airport (Two flights were canceled but commercial flights to coastal areas have resumed)
Tuguegarao Airport (Four flights canceled)
Below are other airports operating normally or with no canceled flights:
CAAP said its personnel “are on heightened alert to ensure the safety and assistance of all passengers during this period.”
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s 5 a.m. bulletin, Carina was last spotted some 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving northwest at 25 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 155 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph.
It also enhanced the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which is expected to bring moderate to intense rainfall to the western part of Luzon from Wednesday to Friday.
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LIST: Impassable roads outside of Metro Manila | John Eric Mendoza | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:20:48 PST | PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/INQUIRER FILES
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Parts of the Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEx) are impassable to all vehicles as of Wednesday morning due to heavy rains brought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
FOR EMERGENCIES: List of government hotlines
As of 10:30 a.m., the following are impassable:
Meanwhile, U-turn slots are open in the following areas:
Typhoon Carina is enhancing the southwest monsoon, which is forecast to trigger heavy rains over many parts of Luzon, according to the state weather bureau.
READ: LIST: Impassable roads in Metro Manila
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164 stranded in Bicol ports due to Carina | Rey Anthony Ostria @RAOstriaINQ | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:45:08 PST | Bicol Region. INQUIRER FILES
Bicol Region. INQUIRER FILES
LEGAZPI CITY — At least 164 have been stranded in Camarines Sur and Masbate ports at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, due to Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi).
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol) said most stranded passengers were in Pasacao port, where 110 of them and four rolling cargoes were not permitted to travel.
Meanwhile, 54 passengers through Masbate were also recorded by the OCD.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
Fifty passengers were in Mobo town, while two were stranded each in Aroroy and San Jacinto on Ticao Island.
No tropical cyclone wind signal was raised over Camarines Sur and Masbate, but sea travel in these two provinces were canceled due to inclement weather.
As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) lifted the tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 on the northern portion of Catanduanes in the region.
At least 97 passengers in Tabaco City in Albay were stranded on Tuesday, July 23, but they were able to travel to Catanduanes when trips resumed on Wednesday morning.
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4 dead in Agoncillo, Batangas landslide | John Eric Mendoza | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:06:55 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Four persons, including a pregnant woman, were killed in a landslide in Agoncillo, Batangas province due to incessant rains.
The local government of Agoncillo on Wednesday said the landslide struck in Sitio Manalao, Subic Ilaya.
In a Facebook post, it said that a 28-year-old woman, who is six months pregnant, and three minors aged 9, 13, and 15 were killed in the landslide.
Batangas is experiencing rains due to the southwest monsoon, or “habagat” enhanced by Typhoon Carina, according to the state weather bureau.
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Typhoon Carina further intensifies | John Eric Mendoza | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:30:31 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Carina further intensified on Wednesday morning and is expected to make landfall in Taiwan in the afternoon or evening, the state weather bureau said.
As of 11:00 a.m., Carina was last spotted 345 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 205 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
“Carina is forecast to steadily intensify and may reach its peak intensity prior to its landfall over Taiwan due to favorable environment,” Pagasa’s advisory read.
According to Pagasa's track forecast, the typhoon will cross the rugged terrain of Taiwan and exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
READ: Typhoon Carina intensifies; Signal No. 2 in Batanes
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over Batanes, while TCWS No. 1 was up in the Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Cagayan, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte.
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Malabon flood waters almost reach second floor of houses – residents | John Eric Mendoza | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:26:22 PST | Malabon. INQUIRER FILES
Malabon. INQUIRER FILES
FOR EMERGENCIES: List of government hotlines
MANILA, Philippines — Malabon residents said the flood waters in the city almost reached the second floor of their houses as of Wednesday morning.
Former Malabon Mayor Antolin Oreta III shared Facebook posts of residents crying for help, particularly boats for their evacuation.
Typhoon Carina is whipping up the southwest monsoon, which brings heavy rains to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, the state weather bureau said on Wednesday.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
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1 dead, 1 hurt in ‘killer highway’ accident in Quezon province | Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:13:44 PST | INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
LUCENA CITY — A driver died and another one was injured after two vehicles collided Tuesday along the diversion road, which motorists call the “killer highway” in Atimonan, Quezon.
Quezon police reported on Wednesday that an Isuzu tractor head driven by Jollebert Santos lost its brakes around 5 p.m. while negotiating a descending section of the diversion road in Barangay Santa Catalina.
READ: 1 dead, 5 injured in Quezon road mishaps
The wayward vehicle, loaded with steel bars, consequently rammed into an oncoming utility refrigerated van driven by Jefferson Ibarrola.
Ibarolla suffered fatal injuries and died on the way to Doña Martha Memorial District Hospital in the town center.
Santos’s helper, Romar Garrido, also suffered injuries and was still confined for further treatment.
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PH passport ranks 73rd in 2024 Henley Passport Index | Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo @CatilogoIrish | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:12:00 PST | INQUIRER STOCK PHOTO
INQUIRER STOCK PHOTO
The Philippines ranked 73rd out of 199 passports in the 2024 Henley Passport Index.
However, the country’s ability to provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access went down to 67 out of 227 possible destinations. This was lower compared to 69 visa-free access previously.
READ: Philippine passport drops to 78th in Henley Passport Index
Meanwhile, the Singaporean passport has reclaimed its position as the most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 195 destinations. Following closely are the passports of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain, each providing access to 192 destinations.
The Henley Passport Index is a respected ranking of all the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without needing a prior visa.
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Classes suspended in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal due to bad weather | Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:11:33 PST | Calabarzon. INQUIRER FILES
Calabarzon. INQUIRER FILES
LUCENA CITY — Classes at all levels in both public and private schools in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal provinces were suspended on Wednesday, July 24, due to bad weather brought by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and southwest monsoon.
The declarations were made by governors Jonvic Remulla of Cavite; Ramil Hernandez of Laguna; Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas; and Rebecca Ynares of Rizal.
The announcements were posted on Hernandez and Ynarez respective Facebook pages and Public Information Offices (PIO) of Cavite and Batangas.
Classes in Cavite have already been suspended since Monday.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
In his order, Hernandez also advised the public “to follow the instructions from the local government if evacuation from your areas is necessary.”
The Batangas PIO also suspended “seminars, conferences, meetings, and similar activities until further notice.”
The suspension of classes and government activities was made upon the assessment and recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), Vice Governor Mark Leviste, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, the PIO said.
“Employers, employees, and all workers are strongly and seriously advised to take most prudent measures to protect the welfare of their families: life, health, and properties,” it said.
Work in government offices in Rizal province was also suspended on Wednesday.
READ: LIST: Class suspensions for July 24
“To ensure the safety of the staff, work in GOVERNMENT OFFICES throughout the province is also SUSPENDED, except for offices related to the provision of basic and health services, disaster or emergency preparedness/response, and other essential services,” Ynares announced in a post on her Facebook page.
Ynarez cited the “red heavy rainfall warning” from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration as the basis for the work suspension order.
“Red” is the most intense and dangerous of all heavy rainfall warnings. It means serious flooding, flooded and unpassable roads, and life-threatening landslides, particularly in hazardous areas.
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Cavite City Mayor Denver Chua also suspended work in local government offices “except for offices involved in disaster response, relief operations, health, and peace and order.”
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Marikina River update: 3rd alarm up; forced evacuation on | John Eric Mendoza | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 10:16:53 PST | The Marikina River has reached third alarm Wednesday morning after its water level breached the 18-meter mark. (Arlene Lim / INQUIRER.net)
The Marikina River has reached third alarm Wednesday morning after its water level breached the 18-meter mark. (Arlene Lim / INQUIRER.net)
FOR EMERGENCIES: List of government hotlines
MANILA, Philippines — The Marikina River is now under third alarm, with forced evacuation set to be carried out, the local government said Wednesday morning.
The city government’s public information office reported that the river’s water level reached 18 meters at 10:00 a.m.
The water is still continuously rising as it now reached 18.5 meters as of 10:56 a.m.
READ: LIVE UDPATE: Typhoon Carina
Typhoon Carina is enhancing the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which is forecast to trigger heavy rains in Metro Manila and many parts of Luzon, according to the state weather bureau.
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PSE suspends trading due to Typhoon Carina | Meg J. Adonis @MegINQ | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 08:31:56 PST | A trader walks in front of the logo of the Philippine Stock Exchange (File photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)
A trader walks in front of the logo of the Philippine Stock Exchange (File photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)
The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) said there would be no trading at the local bourse on Wednesday, July 24, as Typhoon “Carina” (international name: Gaemi) intensified early in the morning.
The PSE made the announcement after Malacañang canceled work in government offices and classes at all levels, public and private, in Metro Manila.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
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Robin Padilla is new president of PDP | Charie Abarca | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 10:01:10 PST | Senator Robin Padilla speaks to members of the media during an ambush interview at the Senate in Pasay City on Thursday, July 4, 2024. INQUIRER.net / Noy Morcoso
Senator Robin Padilla speaks to members of the media during an ambush interview at the Senate in Pasay City on Thursday, July 4, 2024. INQUIRER.net / Noy Morcoso
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robin Padilla is the new president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP).
The party disclosed the matter in a statement issued Wednesday morning, adding that Padilla has already assumed his post.
Padilla replaced Palawan Second District Rep. Jose Chaves Alvarez, who resigned from the position.
“As the new PDP president, Sen. Padilla will continue to consolidate the party membership and prepare for the 2025 mid-term elections which Rep. Alvarez started,” the PDP said.
“We are confident that under Sen Padilla’s leadership, the party is in good hands and will continue to be a major force for reform and development in the country,” it added.
Earlier, Padilla said he would only take the position if he could “do good things and help [his] fellow Filipinos.”
“Pero syempre po, hindi po ibig sabihin naman na wala akong mga bagong ipapanukala. Kung ito po ay tatanggapin ko, meron po syempre akong mga bagong ipapanukala sa PDP,” he added.
(But of course, it doesn’t mean I will not implement new policies. If I accept this, I will implement new policies in PDP.)
READ: Koko on PDP’s new name: ‘Why didn’t they form their own political party?’
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DOH units on Code White amid floods, leptospirosis cases | Zacarian Sarao | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:38:23 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday placed all its units nationwide on “Code White Alert” amid heavy rain, flooding, and the threat of leptospirosis.
“Code White Alert,” according to the DOH, refers to the readiness of medical personnel in hospitals and health offices to provide or respond to necessary health services.
“With the inclement weather and flooding in various areas brought about by the Southwest Monsoon strengthened by [Typhoon] Carina, the [DOH] has declared a Code White Alert in all its Centers for Health Development (regional offices) nationwide, as well as for the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-Barmm),” the DOH said in a statement.
Under the alert, all health units must monitor and report any untoward health incidents to the DOH.
As of July 13, the DOH said it has recorded a total of 1,258 cases of leptospirosis, with a downtrend observed from June 2 to July 13.
It is also lower by 41 percent compared to the same period in 2023, at 2,150.
“However, case counts may still rise due to late reports, and especially with recent weather events like the enhanced Southwest Monsoon,” the DOH said.
Deaths due to the disease, meanwhile, have reached 133 as of July 13.
Among the country’s regions, DOH recorded the highest number of leptospirosis cases in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, Socckskargen, Western Visayas, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.
The DOH advised the public to avoid wading in flood waters, handling soil, mud, and dirt after a flood, with or without visible wounds, and only through exposed skin, which may result in contracting leptospirosis.
It also stressed the importance of immediately consulting doctors if exposed to flood waters, as symptoms of leptospirosis can take as long as one month to appear.
“Mas mabuti pong umiwas sa baha at putik para makaiwas magka-lepto. Sa mga kailangangang lumusong, gumamit ng bota hanggang tuhod. Hugasan agad ang katawan ng malinis na tubig at sabon pagkatapos. Kumonsulta agad sa doktor, wag maging kampante kasi matagal lumabas ang sintomas,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
(Stay away from floods and mud to avoid leptospirosis. For those who have to do so, use knee-high boots. Wash the affected area immediately with clean water and soap. Consult a doctor immediately, don’t be complacent because the symptoms take a long time to appear.)
The DOH reminded the public that antibiotics are available to prevent deadly diseases.
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Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headache, with some cases reporting having distinct pain in the calf muscles and reddish eyes.
Those with severe cases may also experience jaundice (yellowish body discoloration), dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, low urine output, and severe headache.
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LIST: Impassable roads in Metro Manila | John Eric Mendoza | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:20:50 PST | A vehicle wades through the flood waters along Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City —Screengrab by Jommel Baltazar
A vehicle wades through the flood waters along Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City —Screengrab by Jommel Baltazar
FOR EMERGENCIES: List of government hotlines
MANILA, Philippines — Several main roads in Metro Manila are impassable as of Wednesday morning due to heavy rains brought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the following thoroughfares are impassable as of 6:00 a.m.:
1. Parañaque City
2. Manila
3. Valenzuela City
4. Malabon City
5. Quezon City
Typhoon Carina is enhancing the southwest monsoon, which brings rains over Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, according to the state weather bureau.
This is a developing story.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
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Pasig River Ferry operations still suspended | Faith Argosino | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:17:36 PST | Pasig River Ferry (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Pasig Ferry operations remain suspended on Wednesday due to heavy rains from Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.
In an advisory posted on its Facebook page, MMDA advised commuters to stay safe.
Below is the list of all Pasig Ferry Stations:
On Tuesday afternoon, MMDA likewise halted the operations of all Pasig Ferry stations.
Earlier Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued a red warning alert over Metro Manila, Rizal, and Bataan due to Carina and the “habagat.”
Pagasa explained that areas under red warning are forecast to experience over 30 millimeters of rain in the next two hours, with possible flooding in flood-prone areas.
Carina was monitored early Wednesday, some 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, carrying maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 190 kph.
It was moving northwest at 25 kph.
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Booming Sta. Rosa eyes sustainable future | Renz Palalimpa | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:00:00 PST | Built in 1792, Santa Rosa de Lima Parish is part of Sta. Rosa City’s “heritage square”—an effort to develop the city’s Spanish-era poblacion. —PHOTO COURTESY OF STA. ROSA CITY LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Built in 1792, Santa Rosa de Lima Parish is part of Sta. Rosa City’s “heritage square”—an effort to develop the city’s Spanish-era poblacion. —PHOTO COURTESY OF STA. ROSA CITY LOCAL GOVERNMENT
It takes a simple drive to Sta. Rosa, Laguna, to understand why it is a powerhouse city.
The industrial sites and recreational spots that mark Sta. Rosa’s landscape fuel its fast-paced economic growth. And now, the city is shifting gears toward a sustainable future.
This component city of Laguna province is a short trip away from Metro Manila through one of its connecting thoroughfares, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx). Take the exclusive ramp down the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, and you will come face to face with the industrial vigor of the city.
Just near the highway exit are the manufacturing plants of Monde-Nissin Corp., and the neighboring factories of San Miguel Brewery and the Coca-Cola company, its largest in the Philippines.
Sta. Rosa’s “Motor City” moniker becomes clear down the route, as you spot the Toyota special economic zone (SEZ) which houses the company’s head office and manufacturing plant, and that of Mitsubishi Motors in Greenfield Automotive Park.
“It’s great to invest in Sta. Rosa mainly because of accessibility,” City Information Officer Tugaris Zapanta told the Inquirer. “If you’re a manufacturing plant, it’s easy to travel to the south and north [of Luzon] because of the SLEx,” he added.
The city is also a booming hub for the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, hosting companies like IQor, Teletech, and Concentrix. In 2013, IBM opened a facility in Sta. Rosa, one of its “next wave cities” in the Philippines. In May, BPO marketplace Outsource Accelerator ranked Sta. Rosa as the fourth top BPO destination after Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
“Sta. Rosa has grown significantly compared to nearby cities in Laguna and Calabarzon,” Marlon Natividad of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) in the region told the Inquirer in an email. [Its] advantageous location has spurred its development, making it a prominent city,” he added.
Sta. Rosa has reaped the rewards of its efforts with a P4.99 billion income in 2022, the highest revenue among Laguna’s local government units (LGU) that year, according to the Commission on Audit.
The Sta. Rosa manufacturing plant of San Miguel Brewery —PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE STA. ROSA CITY LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Sta. Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas attributes this progress to a “business-friendly environment” that welcomes companies “due to [Metro Manila] providing access to a large consumer market and business opportunities.”
The benefits provided by SEZs play a big part in attracting companies to locate in the city. SEZs are operated by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, which assists, registers, and grants incentives to investors. Enabled by Republic Act No. 7916, SEZs streamline regulatory processes to attract investments.
The local government has also streamlined the process of acquiring and renewing business permits by creating a “one-stop shop” in the city and an online option to obtain the documents.
“What’s unique with Sta. Rosa is its relationship with the businesses and private establishments,” said City Tourism Officer in Charge Gina Madin. “The city is very competitive. There is a pool of talent — investors look at that.”
SM City Sta. Rosa, the first “supermall” in Laguna province
Sta. Rosa has won the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Most Business-Friendly LGU award for the City Level 2 Category in 2020, and is among the LGUs frequently cited in the awards.
Side by side with the city’s economic boom is its recreational and residential thrust.
When visiting Sta. Rosa, guests are treated to a breezy welcome via the Cavite-Laguna Expressway. They can explore first-class communities like the 2,290-hectare Nuvali, Ayala Land’s largest “eco-city,” and the 600-hectare Eton City, a township project by Lucio Tan’s LT Group, featuring residential, commercial, and recreational sites.
The city’s environmental testing laboratory, which can study wastewater samples
The city provides “[a] relatively peaceful and suburban lifestyle compared to the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila,” said Arcillas. “The city’s accessibility … [enhances] its appeal as a residential destination for Metro Manila’s workforce.”
Natividad views the city as a prime location in Neda Calabarzon’s Southern Luzon “strategic development cluster” that would “[serve] as a key entry point to Calabarzon and [accommodate] the rising population influx due to in-migration.”
“This cluster provides opportunities to meet housing demand and offer a more affordable alternative for business locations compared to Metro Manila,” he added.Tourists can make a stop at the theme park Enchanted Kingdom, which can host up to 25,000 guests in its 25-hectare property filled with rides and attractions; or shop at SM Sta. Rosa, which opened in 2006 as the mall giant’s first “supermall” in Laguna province. SM Corp. is also setting its sights on an SM Premier Mall near Nuvali.
While the city scales new heights, the local government has not abandoned its historic heart. Emancipated as its own municipality in 1792, Sta. Rosa became a key site in the Philippine revolution against the Spanish occupation, becoming a full-fledged city in 2004 under Republic Act No. 9264. It celebrated its 20-year cityhood anniversary this month.
Sta. Rosa is developing its Spanish-era city center into a “heritage square” that would “create a balanced atmosphere” between the past and modern society, according to a 2019 city ordinance.
“We are currently developing the plaza — the church, the heritage houses, and the museum are there,” Zapanta said. The square also hosts various government offices and heritage houses that enclose the city’s Spanish-era poblacion.
The Cavite-Laguna Expressway exit to Sta. Rosa, which links the city to key areas in Calabarzon and Metro Manila
Protecting the city’s historic heritage would not only foster cultural growth but also open the door to further economic advancement, the city officials said.
“We want people, residents, and tourists to [know] Sta. Rosa and how it evolved from basically agricultural land in the 1980’s to its highly urbanized present,” Madin said. “As they say, you can’t love a place if you don’t know what it was and how it came to be.”
With its deep roots in the past bolstering a thriving present, the city is accelerating toward the future.
In partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Region IV-A, Sta. Rosa is becoming a “smart city” focused on efficiency and sustainability. The city has also teamed up with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific to integrate the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals into its programs.
“Sta. Rosa is continuously striving for excellence. We still think of ways to innovate and improve,” Madin said.
Sta. Rosa’s city market, renovated in 2023 to improve its 140-stall wet goods section
One such sustainability goal is clean energy. The local government is installing solar panels in its offices to shift to renewable power, and officials encourage residents and businesses to adopt solar energy if they are able.
“We have a city engineering [office] that plans how to conserve energy. The plan now is to make the [Sta. Rosa city hall] building a green building,” said Zapanta.
The city officials also said they are investing in disaster preparedness and water testing. Sta. Rosa has set up its own water testing laboratory that can analyze wastewater and ambient water, with the facility set to open this year to cater to private establishments.
Also, “Our command center uses state-of-the-art equipment for monitoring road incidents and flooding,” said Madin.
Natividad sees a bright future for Sta. Rosa as it “will remain a key player in the Calabarzon economy. Through initiatives like the [smart city goal], Sta. Rosa is set to become one of Calabarzon’s leading cities, leveraging advanced technology and innovation to drive economic growth.”
World-class theme park Enchanted Kingdom
Sustainability is a key aspect of Arcillas’ “four-pillar framework,” along with economic growth, social development, and good governance. “Santa Rosa, as both an industrial center and emerging recreational hub, showcases the city’s dynamic evolution and the government’s efforts … for sustainable development and economic growth,” she said.
Sta. Rosa’s history and growth are highlighted every year at the Sikhayan Festival, which was celebrated this year on July 10. Named after the word “sikhay,” which means diligence or persistence, the festival salutes the hard work of the city’s residents in driving the economic vibrancy and cultural richness of Sta. Rosa.
In this year’s festival, many private companies joined in the street dancing festivities. “It’s another way of engagement [between] the private sector and the Sta. Rosa government,” said Madin.
The close cooperation between the government, individuals, and businesses is what accounts for Sta. Rosa’s economic growth. For Arcillas and other officials, the strong civic consciousness and capacity for hard work among Sta. Rosa’s residents ensure that the city has an even more dynamic future ahead of it.
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The city museum, featuring Sta. Rosa’s extensive history as a crucial part of the colonial era
“If people aren’t involved in planning, implementing, and monitoring, we wouldn’t be able to achieve this [growth],” Madin said. “The reason we have this much progress is because of the people who work hard. Nagsikhayan sila.”
An 18.3-meter pylon in the city dedicated to Jose Rizal, among the tallest of its kind in the country
Ayala group’s Nuvali, a sprawling “eco-city” of residential and recreational and commercial spots
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Over 350 people stranded in Luzon ports – PCG | Faith Argosino | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:24:01 PST | MANILA, Philippines — A total of 354 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers were stranded in ports in Luzon on Wednesday morning due to the effects of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
According to PCG, the figure was monitored from midnight until 4 a.m.
“The PCG monitored 354 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers, 31 vessels, one motorbanca, and 34 rolling cargoes stranded while eight vessels and one motorbanca were taking shelter in Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions due to Carina,” its advisory read.
READ: Typhoon Carina intensifies; Signal No. 2 in Batanes
Of the 354 people, 209 are stranded in Southern Tagalog ports and 145 in Bicol ports.
Based on the state weather bureau’s latest cyclone update, Carina was last spotted 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
It was moving northwest at 25 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 155 kph and gusts of up to 190 kph.
Carina also enhanced the southwest monsoon, which is expected to bring moderate to intense rainfall in the western part of Luzon from Wednesday to Friday.
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Laguna: PH’s largest provincial economy | Lisbet K. Esmael | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:10:00 PST | Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez has implemented various programs related to agriculture, a pillar of the province’s economy.
Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez has implemented various programs related to agriculture, a pillar of the province’s economy.
Only an hour away from the capital region, Laguna, which houses industrial estates and residential developments, has been cementing its status as one of the country’s fast-growing economic hubs.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed in April that the economy of Calabarzon—composed of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal—showed robust growth at P3.10 trillion in 2023, up from a year ago’s P2.94 trillion.
Among the country’s 82 provinces, Laguna also dominated as the largest provincial economy in 2022, contributing 5 percent to the gross domestic product. This, despite the lockdowns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered nearly all sectors from 2020 to mid-2022.
Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez is optimistic about the prospects of his province maintaining its lead and becoming an economic powerhouse. To sustain the momentum, he said the provincial government of Laguna is bent on advancing key projects anchored on the current administration’s eight-point Serbisyong Tama Program: health, social welfare services, education, employment, agriculture and food security, infrastructure, peace and order, and a transformative and professionalized bureaucracy.
“These future plans represent a comprehensive and forward-looking vision for the province, with a focus on infrastructure, health care, tourism, and economic diversification,” Hernandez said.
According to Hernandez, more than half of Laguna’s funds every year are earmarked for social services, ranging from “financial, medical and burial to the technical, requests for courtesy calls, and even the mundane.”
In the education sector, the number of Lagunense students receiving financial assistance from the provincial government has ballooned to more than 20,000 in 2023 from 3,000 in 2015.
Free skills training is part of the province’s social services.
To trigger economic development at the local level, Laguna has provided livelihood training to over 36,000 individuals, with potential ventures in meat processing, detergent and cleanser making, handicrafts, as well as the production of delicacies and other nonbake food products.
The provincial government has worked closely with other agencies, such as the Department of Labor and Employment, to help jump-start Lagunenses’ careers, Hernandez said. “These programs form a comprehensive strategy aimed not only at addressing immediate economic challenges but at laying the groundwork for sustained community development.”
Mirroring the Marcos administration’s push to modernize and strengthen the agriculture sector, Hernandez said the local government has funds allocated to provide “robust” infrastructure for the sector, including vital post-harvest facilities and irrigation canals.
The governor highlighted his plan to provide efficient transportation for the province’s local farmers through an integrated farm-to-market road network designed to link agricultural areas to markets and ensure the “cost-effective” delivery of agricultural products.
“By investing in rural infrastructure, we aim to … improve market access and enhance the overall resilience of the agricultural supply chain,” he said.
An agro-industrial park will also be part of the plan, integrating agricultural activities with industrial processes. The hub will encourage activities focused on agribusiness as well as technology transfer and research. However, the governor stressed the need to complement boosted agriculture with practices aimed at environmental protection.
Laguna believes in the power of technology to transform agriculture.
“By promoting techniques that prioritize environmental conservation, soil health and water management, we aim to ensure that our agricultural endeavors not only meet immediate needs but also safeguard the long-term health of our ecosystem,” he said.
Continuing its commitment to beef up health care, Hernandez said the provincial government will build a Laguna regional hospital with “advanced” and “comprehensive” medical care.
When the facility becomes operational, he said it should be able to remove barriers to accessing quality health-care services. For now, the local government has launched an outreach program to bring medical assistance to remote barangays across the province.
Through this initiative, residents can have receive check-ups, vaccinations, and medical tests like ECG, Pap smear and laboratory tests. A wellness center focused on women, providing gynecological services, family planning consultations and wellness activities like nutrition and stress management, is also in the works.
Hernandez said they would continue prioritizing “strategic resource allocation, infrastructure development and community engagement” to ensure robust public health and the residents’ overall wellness.
Hernandez is spearheading more than 1,400 infrastructure projects for the province, from community facilities and hospitals to an extensive network of roads, all designed to bolster Laguna’s economic advancement. Commencing soon is the construction of the Calamba to Bay viaduct, part of the province’s “significant future development,” according to the governor.
Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez (second from left) says funds are regularly set aside to provide “robust” infrastructure for the agriculture sector. —PHOTOS FROM THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF LAGUNA
The project aims to decongest traffic and boost connectivity within Laguna. The local government is also stepping up promotions of Laguna as a tourist destination, given the province’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
A comprehensive tourism plan includes the establishment of the Laguna Heritage, Cultural and Trade Center. “By highlighting Laguna’s unique attractions and creating infrastructure to support tourism, we aspire to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and showcase the province’s cultural and natural treasures to a wider audience,” Hernandez said.
Laguna ensures that agriculture projects meet immediate needs and also safeguard the long-term health of the ecosystem.
A number of the country’s influential business groups also joined the local government last February in launching a center in Calamba that will promote joint ventures between the public and private sectors.
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And to ensure that the provincial government is always in touch with the concerns of its constituents, Hernandez has been implementing a “People’s Day” to enhance the people’s access to their leaders. This initiative, he said, should pave the way for the creation of “a more inclusive and responsive framework for essential services within our community.” INQ
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BSP: Over half of retail payments went digital in 2023 | Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:09:00 PST | Photo courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Facebook Page
Photo courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Facebook Page
Over half of monthly retail payment transactions in the Philippines were done through digital channels, smashing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) expectations and boding well for the government’s financial inclusion goals.
Latest data released by the BSP on Tuesday showed the share of digital payments to total retail payment transactions in the country grew to 52.8 percent in 2023, from 42.1 percent in 2022. That means out of the 5 billion total monthly transactions recorded last year, more than 2.6 billion of them were successfully converted to digital form.
READ: BSP tightens merchant payment rules
It was a feat that blew away the expectations of the central bank, which was hoping to digitalize 50 percent of retail payments in the country by 2023.
The BSP said pandemic lockdowns that kept Filipinos in their homes for months and spurred the need for contactless transactions accelerated the shift to digital payments. Before the health crisis struck in 2019, the proportion of digital payments in the country was only at 14 percent. INQ
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LOOK: Rains flood parts of Diokno Boulevard in Pasay | Charie Abarca | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 08:59:57 PST | A vehicle is seen wading through the flood along Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City (Screengrab/ Jommel Baltazar)
A vehicle is seen wading through the flood along Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City (Screengrab/ Jommel Baltazar)
MANILA, Philippines – The heavy rains from Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon flooded parts of Diokno Boulevard, where the Senate is located.
In a video shared with reporters, motorists were seen braving the floods at 6:30 a.m.
A cyclist passes through the gutter-deep floods. (Screengrab/ Jommel Baltazar)
A sports utility vehicle breezes through the floods. (Screengrab/ Jommel Baltazar)
No tropical cyclone wind signal is raised over Metro Manila, but the state weather bureau warned that apart from Carina, the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, is also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts over the region.
Carina, the country’s third tropical cyclone in 2024, is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday or early Thursday morning.
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Creative wellness tourism opens pathways in San Pablo City | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:35:00 PST | Casa San Pablo is positioning itself as a creative wellness getaway in Laguna. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Casa San Pablo is positioning itself as a creative wellness getaway in Laguna. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
A small, artsy bed and breakfast (B&B) in San Pablo, Laguna, is offering up new and intimate ways to relax and unwind through creative experiences. Located within the sprawling pine gardens of a family estate, Casa San Pablo is positioning itself as a creative wellness getaway with a homestyle cafe and a vibrant community art space.
Through creative activities like painting sessions, writing workshops, pottery classes and native cooking tours, the B&B is drawing travelers who are seeking interactive travel experiences that lift up their spirits, relax their minds, and connect with the people in the community.
The 16-room Laguna destination draws its inspiration from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s push toward creative tourism, described as “travel directed toward an engaged and authentic experience, with participative learning in the arts, heritage, or special character of a place, and it provides a connection with those who reside in this place and create this living culture.”
Casa San Pablo is drawing travelers looking for interactive travel experiences that lift up their spirits.
Harnessing the creative communities that already exist in San Pablo City, the offerings include watercolor master class sessions by award-winning painter and San Pablo native Lito Ballaran, as well as pottery sessions by San Pablo-based artisan Janina Villapando, writing workshops by National Book awardee Rofel Brion, and heritage cooking sessions by innkeeper An Mercado-Alcantara.
The B&B is also the home of the handmade terracotta figures known as Casa San Pablo clay storytellers.
The creative well-being activities attract solo travelers, who want to spend their time away doing mindful crafts, groups of friends who want to bond over an authentic experience, and corporate teams looking for new ways to learn teamwork.
The activities are also windows to San Pablo’s heritage and culture, and are aligned with San Pablo City’s tourism master plan, which defines culinary heritage and creative experiences as two of four pillars of tourism, which also include agriculture and eco-tourism. Mercado Alcantara, who runs Casa San Pablo with her husband Boots Alcantara, believes interactive well-being activities like these are the way forward for small towns hoping to attract more tourists.
Casa San Pablo is a regular cooking tour stop.
“Creativity-based tourism strategies should really play a big role in our city’s development agenda,” she explained.
When Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco launched the “Philippine Experience: Culture, Heritage and the Arts Caravan,” Casa San Pablo’s creative and culinary activities were among the stops she highlighted as a worthy effort in showcasing the country’s unique experiences.
Creativity findsexpression here.
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A-Flow gets P2.4-B LBP loan for Laguna campus | Meg J. Adonis | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:20:00 PST | Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and Land Bank of the Philippines officials led by ALI president and CEO and AyalaLandLogistics Holdings Corp. chair Anna Ma. Margarita Dy (third from left) and Landbank president and CEO Ma. Lynette V. Ortiz (fourth from right) mark the signing of a P2.4-billion loan agreement. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and Land Bank of the Philippines officials led by ALI president and CEO and AyalaLandLogistics Holdings Corp. chair Anna Ma. Margarita Dy (third from left) and Landbank president and CEO Ma. Lynette V. Ortiz (fourth from right) mark the signing of a P2.4-billion loan agreement. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The joint venture company of AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp. (ALLHC) and FLOW Digital Infrastructure will get a fresh P2.4-billion loan from Land Bank of the Philippines to fund the development of what is touted to be the largest “carrier-neutral” data center campus in Laguna province as the digital economy continues its rapid expansion.
ALLHC, a subsidiary of property giant Ayala Land Inc. that focuses on industrial estates, said in a recent statement that A-FLOW Properties Corp.’s loan represented the first tranche of its P10.8-billion 10-year loan program.
“This agreement marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to develop the largest carrier-neutral data center campus in the Philippines,” A-FLOW president Amandine Wang said.
“We are excited to build an ecosystem to attract a combination of international hyperscale customers and local enterprise customers,” Amandine added.
A carrier-neutral data center has no restrictions on which telecommunications company can provide internet connection within the facility.
Phase 1A of A-FLOW’s three-building data center campus in Biñan will have 6 megawatts (MW) in information technology (IT) load capacity and is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
ALLHC and FLOW, which currently focuses on developing physical assets that make up the digital infrastructure ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific, announced their partnership in October 2022 “to meet the rapidly expanding needs of the digital economy.”
In December that year, they broke ground for the data center project that is expected to accommodate a total 36 MW-IT in capacity.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology expects local data center capacity to grow by 500 percent from the current 60 MW in the next two years due to increasing investor interest.
Telco giants such as Globe Telecom and PLDT Inc. have been investing in and aggressively developing their own data centers to accommodate growing demand.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority also show that the digital economy—composed of digital-enabling infrastructure, e-commerce, digital media/content and government digital services—accounted for P2.05 trillion, or 8.4 percent, of the country’s gross domestic product in 2023. —WITH A REPORT FROM ERICA ANN C. VILLASORDA INQ
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Investing in community health | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:20:00 PST | Investing in health care has never been more important than now with the tough lessons of the recent pandemic.
COVID-19 revealed the vulnerability of health systems, which can quickly buckle under the strain of huge medical demands. While both the public and private sectors now know they need to step up, there is an even bigger need to anticipate—more than just respond to—any future health crisis.
This brings to light the importance of access and what the private sector has been doing to help bridge the health care socioeconomic gap.
For SM and its foundations, this means better community access to quality primary healthcare in partnership with national and local governments.
Medical missions allow access, especially of remote or economically disadvantaged communities, to medical care, education and support. SM Foundation’s (SMFI) medical missions provide free consultations, basic laboratory tests, dental checkups and proper dosage of appropriate medicine.
SM Foundation reached an important milestone by conducting more than 1,600 medical missions, benefiting nearly 1.3 million patients year-to-date.
“Patients who once endured long queues at crowded health-care facilities now find relief as we bring health-care services to remote barangays or provide them conveniently at our malls and properties,” Connie Angeles, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs said.
While health facilities offer a venue for the conduct of medical services, fixing it up through thoughtful and meaningful design could do more for the community than just provide space. Rural health centers are considered as lifelines, offering a comprehensive range of health services at a minimal cost or even free to the most vulnerable.
“These opportunities to rebuild health centers do more for human well-being. The refurbishment of public health-care facilities not only enhance their capabilities by way of improvements and new equipment but also make these facilities more responsive and conducive to the health needs and recovery of those they serve,” Angeles said.
Furthermore, the renovation allows public health centers to meet PhilHealth Accreditation standards, resulting in an increase in PhilHealth utilization and helping decongest city hospitals and minimizing the spread of communicable diseases.
Through these accredited health centers, patients could avail themselves of PhilHealth benefits such as primary care, maternity care and pharmacy needs at the barangay level. These efforts also result in increased capitalization for local governments.
Many sectors also benefit from these renovations including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, terminally ill patients and women and children, to name a few.SM Foundation’s 200th rural health center in Laguna is a classic example.
“Marami kaming programa na hindi namin malagyan ng lugar kasi kulang ang space kaya’t naghahagilap kami kung saan ito ipu-pwesto,” said Elmira Montesa, who leads the Santa Cruz Rural Health Unit (SCRHU). [We have many programs that we can’t accommodate because there is not enough space and we are scrambling for places for these.]
Following the Department of Health’s (DOH) guidelines, SM Foundation elevated the SCRHU.
The rehabilitation transformed the center into a welcoming space, featuring comfortable waiting areas, a reception area for health workers and designated facilities for breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It has a mobile play cabinet for children coping with illnesses.
SM also included a rainwater catchment system to the renovated facility to contribute to water conservation.
In 2023, SM Foundation breathed new life into UP-PGH’s post-COVID & PulmoCare hub.
Prior to the rehabilitation, UP-PGH Division of Pulmonary Medicine chief Lenora Fernandez recalled that the facility struggled to expand its services to meet the growing needs of the community.
“PGH does have many donors but they have so many competing priorities, too. Those patients who continued to suffer from debilitating shortness of breath in silence still lacked essential services such as pulmonary rehabilitation equipment,” Dr. Fernandez said.
The newly refurbished facility now has a new lobby to receive patients and spacious rooms with dedicated areas for rehabilitation, ultrasound, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and virtual consultation. Dr. Fernandez expressed optimism about the future of the hub and sees the number of patients served growing every year.
In Brgy. Irawan, Puerto Princesa, a community birthing facility serving thousands of residents and indigenous people, had to halt operations in 2018 as it was unable to meet government health requirements.SM Foundation supported the community by revamping the birthing facility in 2023, enabling it to obtain the required licenses to resume operations.
Another SM affiliate, BDO Foundation, also achieved a major milestone as it rehabilitated its 160th rural health unit (RHU) in 2023.
This involved renovating exteriors, layout and interior design, lobbies and waiting areas, offices, birthing clinics, consultation rooms, treatment rooms and pharmacies as well as installing breastfeeding stations for nursing mothers, play areas for children and waiting lounges for senior citizens.
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Combined, SM Foundation and BDO Foundation have refurbished and built a total of 364 health centers and medical facilities.
As the group reaches out to more communities, it aims to effectively contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) by consistently providing equitable access to quality basic services towards a better and healthier tomorrow.
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Supreme Court suspends work in Metro Manila courts | John Eric Mendoza, Tetch Torres-Tupas | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 08:14:22 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday suspended work in all courts in Metro Manila due to inclement weather and flooding caused by Typhoon Carina.
“As authorized by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and considering the forecasted rainfall that is expected to be moderate to heavy due to the Southwest Monsoon and enhanced by Typhoon Carina, as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, work is suspended for today, 24 July, 2024, in all courts and offices in the National Capital Judicial Region (NCJR),” read the notice signed by Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva.
However, the Office of the Court Administrator (OCAD) reminded the courts and offices to remain accessible to lawyers, court users, and litigants through their hotline numbers and official email addresses.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has also suspended work on all courts in the following areas:
Typhoon Carina is enhancing the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” which is forecast to trigger occasional rains in Metro Manila and many parts of Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
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Marcos orders swift relief to typhoon victims | Zacarian Sarao | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:04:29 PST | NATURE’SWRATH – A fallen tree blocks a street in Baguio City following continuous rains dumped by Typhoon Carina on Tuesday. The heavy downpour also caused landslides in the city but no injuries were reported. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BAGUIO PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered all concerned agencies to extend “swift” assistance to those affected by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
Marcos made the pronouncement as heavy rain and flooding battered and inundated several parts of the country on Wednesday, including Metro Manila.
“I have instructed all concerned agencies to provide swift assistance to all those affected by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon,” Marcos said in a post on X.
He also announced that he will hold a situation briefing with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in the morning of the same day to “assess the current situation and ensure that all necessary support is provided promptly and effectively.”
Marcos said P2.88 million worth of prepositioned aid and around 4,500 personnel are already on standby for search, rescue, and retrieval operations.
READ: Work, classes suspension
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San Pedro moving to become ‘smart city’ by 2032 | Gabryelle Dumalag | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:25:00 PST | Mayor Art Mercado says his administration is working to change the culture in San Pedro to bring in more investors and raise the city’s income. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
Mayor Art Mercado says his administration is working to change the culture in San Pedro to bring in more investors and raise the city’s income. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
Often referred to as the “dormitory town” of Metro Manila, the City of San Pedro, Laguna, aims to veer away from the moniker and reintroduce what it can offer to residents, tourists and investors.
“‘That’s what we’re known for right now—as a residential community with plenty of residents working in other cities. That is what we want to change,” Mayor Art Joseph Francis Mercado told the Inquirer.
San Pedro, a third-class component city in the province of Laguna, plans to change this notion by attracting businesses and investors to the city to generate income and give employment opportunities to its residents within the city.
Despite being one of the smallest units in the entire Laguna province in terms of land area with only 780 hectares, San Pedro is the fifth most populous city in Laguna. It also has the highest population density in Laguna province and the entire Calabarzon region, with 14,000 people per square kilometer.
“My vision is for them to work here … in our city [and] to increase the city’s income,” said the mayor.
Mercado noted that the strategic location of the city is a good reason why investors should invest in the city. Lodged between Metro Manila and Laguna, San Pedro shares boundaries with Metro Manila’s southernmost city, Muntinlupa.
“Businesses also see that the expansion is gearing toward the south. We know that the value of properties in Metro Manila is expensive … So, it is a win-win situation for them. The property is cheaper, the land is cheaper and the salary, the minimum wage here in [region] 4A, is lower compared to NCR,” said Mercado.
“Our goal is for San Pedro to become a ‘smart city’ by 2032,” he added.
In line with this goal, the city has been taking steps to integrate the use of technology in its operations to improve public services.
While the city’s strategic location offers advantages, it also presents disadvantages. Being situated in the middle of the West Valley Fault System and near Laguna de Bay exposes its 326,000 residents to risks of earthquakes and flooding.
To address these risks, the local government unit (LGU) recently inaugurated a P300-million Command Center that will serve as the new headquarters of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).The six-story building has an early warning and monitoring system, enabling the CDRRMO to efficiently monitor and respond to emergencies. The center is also equipped with generators, solar panels and satellite internet service powered by Starlink.
Mercado said during his speech at the building’s inauguration that the “state-of-the-art” Command Center “marks a fulfillment not only of our dream of upgrading our DRRM capabilities but also of our vision of making San Pedro a smart city that is sustainable and resilient from disasters.”
Art Joseph Francis Mercado Mayor of San Pedro, Laguna
Another key initiative of the city in pursuit of its smart city vision is the digitalization of government services, with the support of the national government and the private sector.
These efforts include signing a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to streamline its business registration services. The partnership aims to facilitate the integration of the DTI’s business name registration system into the city government of San Pedro’s Business Permits and Licensing System.
The city also partnered with digital payment platform Maya Philippines to implement online payment systems for government services.
During the celebration of the Sampaguita Festival on May 3, the LGU launched the “San Pedro Green Card,” powered by Maya Philippines. The card serves both as an ATM card and as a secondary identification card since it contains most of the information needed for various transactions in the LGU.
The card will initially be used to distribute financial assistance online to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, scholars and other beneficiaries of the LGU, thereby avoiding long queues. The LGU plans to make it available to all San Pedrenses of legal age by 2032 as part of its smart city vision.
Applications for Locational Clearance and affidavit of ownership, as well as the list of requirements for various government transactions, are now also digitally accessible at San Pedro city’s official website.
“We’re planning to fully digitalize government transactions so that people will not have to go in person, and all transactions can be done online or via their cellphones,” said Mercado.
In five years, Mercado envisions San Pedro to be one of the leading smart cities in Laguna. To achieve that, the LGU is also in the “early stages” of planning to build a business or information technology (IT) park in the city.
The LGU aims to build vertical structures such as call centers and IT businesses to make up for the lack of space, and to provide more job opportunities for residents. “When people ask me what is there in San Pedro… I always proudly say that our people are hardworking and talented,” said Mercado.
This plan goes hand-in-hand with the LGU’s commitment to education.
The mayor said they are planning to prepare the city college to focus on IT courses so that, upon graduation, residents will be ready for employment once San Pedro’s IT parks come to fruition.
The city’s biggest economic booster at present are businesses, with Alaska Milk Corp. (AMC) its biggest taxpayer.
“We’re very thankful to have them (AMC). They have been our partner for a very long time. Their corporate social responsibility [program] is a big help,” sawid Mercado.
The LGU and AMC have partnered on various programs such as the “Alaska Gawad Kalinga,” which helped build comfortable homes for over 120 families and gave numerous livelihood projects and opportunities to homeowners; and the cleanup activity “ALASKALIKASAN Project.”
Meanwhile, the city government is also expediting the completion of key infrastructure projects, such as the rehabilitation of the San Pedro City Plaza, the San Pedro Medical Center in Barangay Narra, and the development of a San Pedro Sports Complex.
In the Department of Trade and Industry’s 2023 ranking of component cities, where cities and municipalities are evaluated based on the sum of their scores in four pillars (Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resiliency and Innovation), San Pedro ranked 24th out of 114, moving up four ranks from its 2022 position of 26th.
“The biggest attraction I see for investors to invest here is the state of the city. If you are an investor, you would first look at the LGU and how it is performing. We started by changing the culture of San Pedro, and then the rest will follow,” said Mercado, whose 2022 mayoral win ended the Cataquiz political clan’s decades-long hold on the city.
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During his mayoral campaign, Mercado promised “change” for the city. “Good governance is very important when it comes to attracting investors,” he said. While he acknowledged that it would not happen quickly, he said the city would achieve it “one step at a time” — steady, purposeful progress that appears to be happening now.
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Senate, House suspend work on Wednesday, July 24 | Charie Abarca, Faith Argosino | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 08:39:43 PST | MANILA, Philippines – Work in the Senate and House of Representatives has been suspended on Wednesday in light of the inclement weather caused by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, or “habagat.”
In an advisory issued Wednesday morning, Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug said Senate President Francis Escudero ordered the suspension, citing various weather-related circumstances,
“In view of the continuous inclement weather caused by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina, the deep flood at the Senate entrance, and the forecast for medium to heavy rains over Metro Manila and nearby areas, Senate President Francis Escudero has declared the suspension of work at the Senate today, 24, 2024,” the advisory reads.
According to Bantug, the session will resume as scheduled at 3 p.m. on July 29.
“Considering the current weather conditions as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, please be advised that work in the House of Representatives, including the conduct of the plenary session and committee hearings, are suspended today, July 24,” House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), in an early morning update, reported that Carina was last spotted some 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
It was moving northwest at 25 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 155 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph.
Carina also enhanced the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which is expected to bring moderate to intense rainfall in the western part of Luzon from Wednesday to Friday.
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Toyota conducts reforestation, livelihood development in Siniloan | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:16:00 PST | Fifty-Six volunteers representing Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) workforce, GT Capital Holdings Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and the People’s Organization of Siniloan ascended to the uplands of Barangay Magsaysay in Siniloan to plant trees. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Fifty-Six volunteers representing Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) workforce, GT Capital Holdings Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and the People’s Organization of Siniloan ascended to the uplands of Barangay Magsaysay in Siniloan to plant trees. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Corp., the country’s automotive leader, has expanded its nature conservation efforts with its upland tree planting in a 50-hectare adopted area in Siniloan, Laguna.
The company recently mobilized a group of volunteers to plant 1,000 native tree seedlings with the aim of boosting potential livelihood source for the locals, enhancing biodiversity and developing future carbon sinks at the same time.
Some 56 volunteers representing TMP’s workforce, GT Capital Holdings Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and the People’s Organization of Siniloan ascended to the uplands of Barangay Magsaysay in Siniloan that is part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.
This terrestrial site is part of a critical ecosystem, being home to the Philippines’ oldest forests and a habitat for megadiverse endemic flora and fauna.
This initiative converges with the DENR’s National Greening Program (NGP), a massive forest rehabilitation program aimed at reducing poverty, promoting food security, conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change in the country.
In its five-year implementation, TMP will provide upfront financial compensation to the People’s Organization of Siniloan for every hectare that the local members will nurture, monitor and maintain. Upon successful completion with a high survival rate, the tree species that were selected by the DENR are expected to eventually generate income for the residents through agroforestry.
To date, TMP has planted 21,000 out of the 25,000-target total number of native fruit-bearing and timber tree seedlings since TMP began its initial rehabilitation efforts on the same site in 2022.
Volunteers during the upland tree planting in Siniloan, Laguna Reforestation is one of the prime examples of nature-based solutions, particularly in carbon sequestration.
FOR MOTHER EARTH TMP president Masando Hashimoto (top photo) leads volunteers in planting 5,000 native tree seedlings in Siniloan, Laguna.
According to the World Bank, these solutions could deliver up to 37 percent of the emission reductions the world needs by 2030 to maintain global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius.
“Recognizing the urgency to address the current effects of climate change, Toyota is driven to actively pursue carbon neutrality and coexist in harmony with nature,” TMP president Masando Hashimoto said.
“I would like to express my gratitude to our partners from the DENR, the local community of Siniloan, and volunteers for dedicating their time and exerting efforts to make a climate action and impact today.”
TMP’s extensive nature conservation efforts, including tree and mangrove planting activities and coastal and riverside clean-ups, are integrated into the ‘All Toyota Green Wave Project.’
Launched in 2015 under the ‘Toyota Global Environmental Challenge 2050,’ this project is a global initiative that aims to connect Toyota’s stakeholder network to nature and communities while addressing environmental issues and supporting local livelihoods.
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TMP currently has a total of 108 hectares of active NGP sites, including those mangrove areas in Lian and Calatagan in Batangas province, as well as a rainforest block in Maragondon in Cavite province.
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Silicon Valley firm buys 3 Philippine data centers | Tyrone Jasper C. Piad | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:05:00 PST | Logo of the American the Internet connection and data center company Equinix in Amsterdam on July 14, 2021. (Photo by Sem van der Wal / ANP / AFP)
Logo of the American the Internet connection and data center company Equinix in Amsterdam on July 14, 2021. (Photo by Sem van der Wal / ANP / AFP)
Global digital infrastructure company Equinix is gearing up for its entry into the local market with the acquisition of three data centers—part of its expansion plan across the Asia-Pacific region.
In a statement on Tuesday, Equinix announced its purchase of data centers from technology solutions provider Total Information Management (TIM).
These hubs housing critical servers and networks have over 1,000 cabinets in capacity. They are also carrier-neutral, which means they can cater to any client. “We are thrilled to announce our expansion into the Philippines, a vibrant and rapidly expanding digital economy that presents immense opportunities for our valued customers and partners,” Equinix president for Asia-Pacific Jeremy Deutsch said.
READ: Exhibit to show early Filipinos in Santa Clara Valley, CA before it became ‘Silicon Valley’
Deutsch said the acquisition would also enable their customers to “thrive and embrace digital transformation, harnessing the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence,” which require higher data storage requirements.
“Equinix’s global platform and extensive network will provide enhanced connectivity, scalability and access to a thriving ecosystem of partners,” TIM chair Jose Mari Antunez said.
Founded in Silicon Valley in 1998, Equinix operates 260 data centers across 33 countries, 56 of which are in Asia-Pacific. It aims to expand further to new markets such as Jakarta, Indonesia and Chennai, India, this year.
The demand for data centers is on the rise due to the growing needs of hyperscalers, or entities providing cloud, networking and internet services such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google GCP, Alibaba AliCloud, IBM and Oracle.
READ: Bulacan Special Economic Zone: A well-planned and spacious Silicon Valley needed
Telco players like PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom have also been investing heavily to build up their data center capacities in recent years.
PLDT has completed its 50-megawatt (MW) data center in Laguna by this month. Globe’s data center arm, meanwhile, broke ground for its 124-MW data center in Fairview, Quezon City last year.
Last year, Digital Edge (Singapore) Holdings launched its first facility, a 10-MW data center, in Laguna.
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In 2023, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said it was expecting the local data center capacity of 60 MW to grow by 500 percent in the next two years with more players setting up shops here or expanding existing facilities. INQ
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Sampaguita: An icon for hospitality | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:30:00 PST | FOR LOVE OF THE PHILIPPINES’ NATIONAL FLOWER Megaworld team members plant sampaguita seedlings in theconglomerate’s central nursery in Tanza, Cavite. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
FOR LOVE OF THE PHILIPPINES’ NATIONAL FLOWER Megaworld team members plant sampaguita seedlings in theconglomerate’s central nursery in Tanza, Cavite. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
More than being the Philippines’ national flower, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), the country’s largest hotel operator, has adopted the Sampaguita as a symbol of its signature brand of service.
With eight brands, 13 hotel properties and more than 8,500 room keys including those in the pipeline, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts seeks to provide memorable service to its guests though a program with a uniquely and proudly Filipino approach. The idea is to make its patrons feel and appreciate the sampaguita service through sight, smell, taste, sound and touch.
“We resonate with the values of the country’s national flower—love, honor, dignity and healing,” says Megaworld Hotel’s and Resort’s managing director Cleofe Albiso.
She adds, “We really desire for our brand to stand out and touch the heart of every Filipino, be the brand that one can be truly proud of. It’s our goal to be the hospitality chain whose story people can reckon with because they have seen the struggles, they have seen the journey, which encompasses what every Filipino undergoes yet comes out stronger from.”
“There’s so much more to a guest’s stay than mere bed and breakfast, that is why we aim to enhance every touch within the guest journey,” says Jun Justo, MHR cluster general manager for the Greater National Capital Region (NCR).
Starting off with what one sees, the hotel group will showcase the flower in their lobbies and feature it in artworks both on ground and online.
Since July 2023, the teams of MHR have also already started wearing with pride their Sampaguita pins reflective of their associates service values training.
Megaworld’s Arnie Batac plants a tree.
Justo notes that the pin also carries the colors of the Philippine flag. Plus, the tip of the five petals points toward the heart, reminding the wearer to always be proud of his or her heritage.
Entering the lobby, guests can already get a whiff of the signature cool sampaguita scent, a special concoction that combines the scent of fresh herbs, eucalyptus and peppermint and invigorates and relaxes anyone in need of a quick pick-me-up.
During downtime or while waiting for service at the lobby and other public areas of the hotels, guests will hear original Filipino music to entertain them. Soothing instrumental music can be heard playing in the morning during breakfast and at end of the day while guests are enjoying their dinner.
As a way of healing, a soothing massage will always be a welcome luxury for anyone. MHR guests now have the option to use their signature sampaguita massage oils to help them relax after a long day. They may also opt to end their session with a cup of SaMaRra, a combination of sampaguita, mango, and tarragon tea that promises healing from the inside.
Adding to an enriching experience, chefs of MHR through the Food and Beverage Council led by cluster general manager Socrates “Sonny” Alvaro have started serving dishes infused with the essence of the national flower, from salads, soups and mains to desserts.
After months of serving sampaguita inspired dishes, Alvaro shares, “It’s a different experience for each guest.”
Talking about their culinary vision, he adds that the group provides guests an opportunity to try out new dishes infused with the essence of the delicate sampaguita. Magic happens when just the right amount of the essence is added to complement the dish.
With the guests he himself have attended to, he shares “you’d be surprised that a lot of our guests are intrigued and find nostalgia in every bite plus the opportunity to add new memories [based on] how we look at Sampaguita.”
The Sampaguita brand of service can be felt across the group that includes Belmont Hotel Manila or Savoy Hotel Manila within Newport City in Pasay across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3; Kingsford Hotel Manila located in the Entertainment City of Parañaque, Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City and Richmonde Hotel Ortigas in Pasig.
Experience the healing elements of the national flower through MHR’s signature “hilot” using sampaguita oil.
Outside Metro Manila, the MHR network includes Twin Lakes Hotel near Tagaytay, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo in Iloilo Business Park of Iloilo City, Belmont Hotel Boracay or Savoy Hotel Boracay located at the Newcoast Boracay or even in Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown in Cebu or in the newly opened Belmont Hotel Mactan Newtown.
Seeing how the Sampaguita has helped make Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ service stand out, the group has extended its relationship with the national flower to include touching the lives of people who rely on the flower.
Albiso says the project that ties into the group’s focus on sustainability has led to enthusiastic discussions on how to increase the popularity and use of the Sampaguita.
“This project is [now] a movement,” she adds.
MHR has, for instance, partnered with the local government of San Pedro, Laguna, the Sampaguita capital of the Philippines. During a recent immersion program, Mayor Art Mercado and King Layola from the City Agriculture Office highlighted the impact of MHR’s efforts on the industry.
Chef Ariel Castañeda creates dishes featuring the Sampaguita.
Due to the project’s aim to diversify the use of Sampaguita, opportunities have opened up for farmers to plant more so that they can meet the need for its essence for soaps, scents and food grade additives.
Beyond the premises of MHRs own properties, Megaworld, through its MEGreen Sustainability program, has also committed to set aside areas within its townships for the planting of Sampaguita.
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Sharlene Zabala-Batin, tourism regional director of NCR, said this was a “genius” move as it is an “embodiment of Philippine culture and heritage” and celebrates Sampaguita as an essential ingredient in MHR’s service.
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MMDA: No number coding on Wednesday, July 24 | Faith Argosino | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 07:47:18 PST | (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) suspended the expanded number coding scheme on Wednesday.
“Suspendido na ang pagpapatupad ng expanded unified vehicular volume reduction program ngayong araw, July 24 kasunod ng anunsiyo ng Malacanang na walang pasok sa government offices at pasok sa lahat ng antas ng paaralan sa Metro Manila dahil sa patuloy na pag-ulan na dulot ng bagyong Carina at Southwest Monsoon,” MMDA said in an advisory.
(The implementation of the expanded unified vehicular volume reduction program has been suspended today, July 24, following Malacanang’s suspension of work and classes in all government offices and schools within Metro Manila due to the continuous rains caused by typhoon Carina and Southwest Monsoon.)
Earlier Wednesday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) made the announcement on the suspension.
“In view of the forecasted continuous rainfall brought about by the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon “Carina,” work in government offices and classes at all levels in the National Capital Region are hereby suspended at 05:00 a.m. today, July 24, 2024, as recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said early Wednesday morning.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, in its 5:00 a.m. bulletin, reported that Carina was last spotted 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour (kph).
Carina has sustained winds of 155 kph and gustiness of up to 190 kph.
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BIZ BUZZ: MVP in talks to buy hospital in Agusan | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:10:00 PST | Some may think that brownfield opportunities in the hospital space may be getting scarce.
But while the hunt is more challenging these days, the group of tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan is nonetheless still on the prowl for—and still gets to find—new acquisition opportunities.
Several reliable sources confirmed to Biz Buzz that the next acquisition could expand the Metro Pacific Health (MPH) network in Mindanao. Talks are underway to take over 100-bed San Francisco Doctors’ Hospital (SFDHI) in Agusan del Sur, potentially bringing to 25 the number of medical facilities in its portfolio.
Due diligence audit is now ongoing, and that deal closing may happen soon, our sources said.
READ: BIZ BUZZ: Why St. Luke’s dropped Davao
Based on its website, SFDHI started full operations in 2013. It occupies a two-story structure standing on an 8,000-square meter lot at Barangay Hubang, “geographically positioned in the noncoastal area of Caraga Region, along Maharlika Highway that links Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.”
Its stockholders are medical specialists in different fields like surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesiology, radiology and pathology.
Earlier Bloomberg reports suggested that MPH is preparing anew for a long-delayed stock market debut, while private equity firm KKR, which had invested in the health-care chain along with Singaporean wealth fund GIC in 2019, is now considering to sell its stake.
To date, MPH has 24 hospitals with a total of 4,025 beds that serve more than four million patients a year.
It won’t hurt to further bulk up the portfolio ahead of a health-care pure-play maiden offering. —Doris Dumlao-Abadilla
The flurry of appointments is not letting up in the Philippine corporate world with Manulife Philippines, the Philippine arm of leading global financial services provider Manulife, announcing the appointment of Rachel Marie “Rhea” Vizcarra as the company’s new chief operations officer (COO).
She has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, particularly in operations and business transformation.
READ: Manulife boosts funds for microentrepreneurs
Manulife said in a statement that under her leadership, the team will continue its key initiatives to transform and elevate the company’s claims experience; enhance operational performance and overall customer satisfaction efforts; and drive innovation. These include streamlining processes, managing risk, improving productivity and driving strategic initiatives to achieve sustainable growth and market leadership.
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“We are thrilled to welcome Rhea Vizcarra to our senior leadership team,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Her extensive experience and expertise in driving operational excellence amid a rapidly evolving insurance landscape, while solidifying health protection proposition and business transformation, will be instrumental in our efforts toward digital customer leadership. I am confident that she will deliver on our priorities and ongoing initiatives with our long-term strategic goals, as we further strengthen our position as one of the leading global life insurers in the Philippines.” —Tina Arceo-Dumlao INQ
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Marikina River update: 2nd alarm up | John Eric Mendoza | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 07:17:09 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The Marikina River is now under second alarm as waters reached 16 meters, the local government said.
The Marikina Public Information Office, in a Facebook post, said that all flood gates in Manggahan Floodway are now open as the second alarm was announced at 6:45 a.m.
Normal water level is 14.9 meters and below, while the first alarm will be triggered when the water level reaches 15 meters, second alarm at 16 meters, and third alarm at 18 meters.
Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) , last spotted 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, is packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa).
Pagasa also said Carina is enhancing the southwest monsoon or “habagat”, which is expected to trigger heavy rains in many parts of the country.
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Jennylyn Mercado preserving embryo for next baby with Dennis Trillo | Marinel Cruz | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:20:07 PST | Jennylyn Mercado —JENNYLYN MERCADO/ INSTAGRAM
Jennylyn Mercado —JENNYLYN MERCADO/ INSTAGRAM
Actress Jennylyn Mercado has admitted that she felt “bothered” when she first read the now-controversial posts on her husband Dennis Trillo’s social media account, which happened some two weeks ago, but immediately dismissed them after learning that it was done by a hacker.
“I was at a pictorial then. I said, ‘What happened here? It’s impossible for Dennis to post this.’ I’ve known him for a long time, and we’ve been together for years. I don’t think he would ever post such things,” Jennylyn recently told reporters during her launch as an ambassador of a skin care brand.
“When I finally spoke to him, he simply laughed it off. He said, ‘Ganoon talaga. What can I do?’ My only advice to him then was, ‘Hirapan mo nga ang password mo!” Jennlyn recalled. Aguila Entertainment, the management agency handling both Dennis’ and Jennylyn’s careers, said the actor’s TikTok account was hacked after drawing criticisms for some comments posted against ABS-CBN. It was supposedly Dennis’ reaction to a question by a TikTok user as to why Jennylyn was not included in GMA 7’s station ID. “I don’t know anything about the process—it was our management that handled it—but Dennis was able to restore his account,” Jennylyn declared.
Asked how the couple is adjusting to raising their child, Dylan, who is now 2, Jennylyn said: “We’re enjoying every minute with her. Dennis is very hands-on. It’s common for Dads to become very focused on being able to provide for their family, but Dennis does both equally. Since Dylan was born, we adapted to a shifting schedule. I take care of Dylan during the day and he lets me sleep at night. He watches over her, and even changes her diapers.”
This was why Jennylyn said she has managed to handle stress effectively. “I got used to it. If you know what I’ve been through in my life, you will understand why I said that. It also helps that Dennis is a good life partner. We have an effective tandem. When he sees that I’m feeling too stressed, he would tell me to relax or sleep. He asks me what I want that he could give me. If I see that he’s stressed, I take over,” she said.
Whenever they have misunderstandings, it’s normal for them to stay in different rooms to be able to let off steam, said Jennylyn. “I will lock myself inside one room while he spends the night in another. We already know how to handle fights. It’s also good that we’ve been together for a long time. Of course, it’s impossible for one to not feel affected. We’re also thankful for people around us who are always ready to help, to calm us down, especially Tita Becky (Aguila).”
Jennylyn pointed out that they have no plans for another baby any time soon. “I want her to be able to experience childhood with me close by. This is something that I was not able to experience with Jazz (her child with actor Patrick Garcia) because I needed to return to work immediately since I was a single mom. Now, I plan to take time, relax and enjoy being with Dylan while she is still young.
Also at a media gathering, Jennylyn clarified that she and Dennis had no plans to migrate to the United States in 2021. She said they had been trying to have another child since 2018 but were unable to conceive due to fertility issues. “We tried so many times here in the Philippines, but nothing happened. We decided to go abroad to try IVF (in vitro fertilization), because it’s more accepted there compared to here in the Philippines,” she began. “They harvested an egg, developed an embryo, froze it, and stored it. It’s still there up to now. Naunahan na siya ni Dylan. If we decide to have another baby, it’s just there. It’s actually a boy.”
The couple is busy working on their film production outfit called Brightburn Productions. Jennylyn said the goal is to apply what they’ve learned working as actors for over 20 years and come up with projects that they can be really proud of. “We already know how a lot of things work in the industry because we’ve been part of it for so long, so we said, ‘Why don’t we produce our own?’ That is one of the passions I share with Dennis,” she explained.
“We want to make sure we’re working with good scriptwriters and production people, that a particular project’s release is well-executed and through a platform that we know we can rely on. While we can’t talk about its first project yet, it’s safe to say that GMA 7, our home network, is in full support [of it]. We’re really excited about this,” said Jennylyn.
Speaking of GMA 7, Jennylyn also pointed out that Aguila Entertainment is still negotiating specific details in her network contract and so she is, therefore, a freelancer. The actress also denied rumors that she received an offer to transfer to rival company, ABS-CBN, or that her management company offered her services to them prior to renegotiating with GMA 7. “What I know is that the negotiation has always been with GMA 7 from the start. I’m loyal to my home network. There are just certain things in the contract that are still being discussed,” she pointed out. INQ
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DepEd eyes more teaching posts to speed up promotions | Dempsey Reyes | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:55:00 PST | DepEd Sec. Juan Edgardo Angara —Joseph B. Vidal/Senate Social Media Unit)
DepEd Sec. Juan Edgardo Angara —Joseph B. Vidal/Senate Social Media Unit)
MANILA, Philippines — More positions will be made available for teachers to speed up their promotion as promised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said on Tuesday.
At the sidelines of a “Brigada Eskwela” event at the Neptali A. Gonzales High School in Mandaluyong City, Angara said that in line with the President’s directive, the Department of Education (DepEd) would propose the creation of additional teacher positions beyond the ranks of Teachers 1 to 3.
READ: Angara: No plans to change ‘Matatag’ curriculum
Based on an earlier Inquirer report, under the Salary Standardization Law, teachers classified from Teacher 1 to 3 positions fall under Salary Grades 11, 12 and 13 with wages of P27,000, P29,165 and P31,320, respectively.
Angara said there was a slow turnover of positions among public school teachers due to a “block” in the Teacher 3 rank.
“So above the Teacher 3 position, we will create other teaching positions to pave the way for those down the ranks,” he said, adding that the new ranks would be “plantilla” positions.
Plantilla are permanent position items in the government with a corresponding authorized budget allotment in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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Amid WPS tension, Zambales fishers seek livelihood plan | Ansbert Joaquin, Joanna Rose Aglibot | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:35:05 PST | PLEA Fisherfolk in Zambales, including those from the village of Matalvis in Masinloc town, rely on their catch from the West Philippine Sea to support their families. With Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, their traditional fishing ground, being patrolled by the Chinese, they are turning to the government for security and livelihood aid. —Richard A. Reyes
PLEA Fisherfolk in Zambales, including those from the village of Matalvis in Masinloc town, rely on their catch from the West Philippine Sea to support their families. With Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, their traditional fishing ground, being patrolled by the Chinese, they are turning to the government for security and livelihood aid. —Richard A. Reyes
SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES, Philippines — Some fishermen here were dismayed after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), failed to mention his plans for fishermen whose lives were affected by the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a telephone interview on Monday, Leonardo Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, acknowledged the President’s efforts to pay tribute to Filipino fishermen and soldiers guarding the WPS.
But Cuaresma said Marcos did not indicate his plans for fishermen amid the tension in their traditional fishing ground that included areas within the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
READ: Marcos: West PH Sea not figment of imagination
“He did not mention any concrete programs for fishermen, such as alternative livelihoods that can be provided despite what they continue to experience,” Cuaresma said.
Before the Sona, Cuaresma was hopeful that he would hear the government’s plan for the fisheries sector since they had seen that this administration was fighting for the country’s sovereignty. He watched the live broadcast of Sona together with other members of the group, who were also disappointed.
During his speech, Marcos said the country’s ownership of the West Philippine Sea was “not a figment of the imagination” but a reality. He then thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Filipino fishers for their sacrifices in guarding the country’s territory.
His remarks drew applause and a standing ovation from lawmakers and guests at the Batasang Pambansa.
But Joey Marabe, Pamalakaya-Zambales coordinator who joined those who traveled to Metro Manila for the multisectoral protest, said he could not applaud Marcos because there was “no clear response to their plea for a peaceful return to WPS.”
“Aside from briefly mentioning it, there is also no concrete program for the fishermen of Zambales whose livelihoods are greatly affected by the extensive presence of Chinese ships in our fisheries,” Marabe said.
According to Marabe, what is important to fishermen now is how they could be able to fish in the WPS “uncontested.”
He assailed the Marcos administration for relying on military intervention by the United States, which only exacerbates the tension in the area.
For Ronnel Arambulo, Pamalakaya vice chair, the hardship suffered by Filipino fishers in the rising tension in the WPS “is especially not an imagination.”
“This is a daily struggle of the fishermen that cannot be solved in the simple flowery words of President Marcos during his Sona,” Arambulo said in a statement.
He said they were disappointed that Marcos did not even mention how to “concretely and peacefully assert the country’s national sovereignty and fishing rights.”
Pamalakaya earlier reported that the income per vessel of Filipino fishermen fell by 60 percent due to the fishing ban imposed by China, but until now, they have not felt the government’s assistance for Filipino fishermen.
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“What is the use of Marcos’ gratitude to our fishermen if it doesn’t have a clear response to what we are facing in the WPS?” Arambulo lamented.
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.
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Typhoon Carina intensifies; Signal No. 2 in Batanes | Charie Abarca | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:43:33 PST | LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) has intensified further while heading towards Taiwan, the state weather bureau said early Wednesday morning.
In its 5:00 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Carina is expected to intensify steadily and may reach its peak intensity before its landfall over Taiwan “due to favorable environment.”
Carina was spotted Wednesday morning some 290 kilometers (km) northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph while moving northwest at 25 kph.
“Carina is forecast to make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan this afternoon or early evening. On the track forecast, the typhoon will cross the rugged terrain of Taiwan and exit the Philippine area of responsibility [on Wednesday evening] or [the] early morning [of July 25],” said Pagasa.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over Batanes, where winds from 62 to 88 kph are expected in the next 24 hours.
TCWS No. 1, meanwhile, is still up over Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Claveria, Santa Praxedes, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Santa Ana, Gonzaga) and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Burgos, Bangui, Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Adams)
The southwest monsoon or “habagat,” is also expected to bring strong to gale-force winds to the following areas:
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DOH: PhilHealth’s excess funds to benefit health-related programs | Luisa K. Cabato | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:37:29 PST | Health Sec. Teodoro Herbosa
Health Sec. Teodoro Herbosa
MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa assured the public on Tuesday that the billions in excess funds of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will still be used within the health sector.
Last April, the Department of Finance (DOF) instructed government-owned corporations to return their extra funds to the national treasury, including PhilHealth’s P89.9 billion surplus.
READ: Recto assures public: Transfer of PhilHealth’s P20B excess funds legal
“I requested from Secretary Recto to use the health funds for health purposes; that’s where the P27.4 billion for the HEA [healthcare allowance] came from,” Herbosa said.
“I’d like to reassure our medical community—the P89.9 billion, as Secretary Recto promised, is ‘health for health.’ Those were his words: ‘Health money for health’,” he added.
READ: Watchdogs question PhilHealth fund transfer
When asked why he thinks PhilHealth has excess funds, he offered three theories:
“Either of these three: my first theory is that their estimate may be too high. Number two, the senior citizens they mentioned might have passed away, so the funds are more than enough. [Third] these poor individuals who were supposed to be included in the free premium with the government paying for them might have jobs.” he said.
“In other words, the number of poor individuals might be decreasing, so there’s an overestimate every year,” he added.
Last week, public health reform advocates and budget watchdogs called on lawmakers to investigate the executive department’s decision to divert PhilHealth’s excess funds to “unprogrammed appropriations” this year.
Independent health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon, in particular, questioned DOF Circular No. 003-2024, which directs PhilHealth to transfer P89.9 billion in unused government subsidies to the national treasury.
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LIST: Canceled, diverted flights on Wednesday, July 24 | Zacarian Sarao | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 07:00:37 PST | FOR EMERGENCIES: List of government hotlines
MANILA, Philippines — Several flights on Wednesday were canceled due to heavy rains caused by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, said the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
Below is the list of canceled flights according to the MIAA as of 5:00 p.m:
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KL 807/808 Taipei-Manila-Taipei
Cebgo (DG)
DG 6031/6032 Manila-San Jose-Manila
DG 6113/6114 Manila-Naga-Manila
DG 6117/6118 Manila-Naga-Manila
DG 6177/6178 Manila-Masbate-Manila
DG 6841/6842 Manila-Siargao-Manila
DG 6055/6056 Manila-Busuanga-Manila
DG 6043/6044 Manila-Busuanga-Manila
DG 6047/6048 Manila-Busuanga-Manila
DG 6051/6052 Manila-Busuanga-Manila
DG 6837/6838 Manila-Siargao-Manila
DG 6839/6840 Manila-Siargao-Manila
DG 6195/6196 Manila-Legazpi-Manila
DG 6197/6198 Manila-Legazpi-Manila
DG 6243/6244 Manila-Caticlan-Manila
DG 6247/6248 Manila-Caticlan-Manila
DG 6507/6508 Manila-Cebu-Manila
Cebu Pacific (5J)
5J 310 Manila-Taipei
5J 312/313 Manila-Taipei-Manila
5J 404/405 Manila-Laoag-Manila
5J 919/920 Manila-Caticlan-Manila
5J 909/910 Manila-Caticlan-Manila
5J 506/507 Manila-Tuguegarao-Manila
5J 504/505 Manila-Tuguegarao-Manila
5J 649/650 Manila-Tacloban-Manila
5J 196/197 Manila-Cauayan-Manila
5J 617/618 Manila-Tagbilaran-Manila
5J 457/458 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J 993/994 Manila-General Santos-Manila
5J 853/854 Manila-Zamboanga-Manila
5J 705/706 Manila-Dipolog-Manila
5J 323/324 Manila-Legazpi-Manila
5J 639/640 Manila-Puerto Princesa-Manila
5J 557/558 Manila-Cebu-Manila
5J 487/488 Manila-Bacolod-Manila
5J 787/788 Manila-Butuan-Manila
5J 773/774 Manila-Pagadian-Manila
5J 911/912 Manila-Caticlan-Manila
5J 685/686 Manlila-Tagbilaran-Manila
5J 653/654 Manila-Tacloban-Manila
5J 631/632 Manila-Dumaguete-Manila
5J 483/484 Manila-Bacolod-Manila
5J 857/858 Manila- Zamboanga-Manila
5J 633/634 Manila-Puerto Princesa-Manila
5J 977/978 Manila-Davao-Manila
5J 331/332 Manila-Kalibo-Manila
5J 357/358 Manila-Roxas-Manila
5J 575/576 Manila-Cebu-Manila
5J 641/642 Manila-Puerto Princesa-Manila
*5J 3951/3952 Manila-Davao-Manila
*5J 905/906 Manila-Caticlan-Manila
Philippine Airlines (PR)
PR 894/895 Manila-Taipei-Manila
PAL Express
Eva Air (BR)
BR 278 Manila-Taipei
BR 261 Taipei-Manila
Meanwhile, some flights have also been diverted due to unfavorable weather:
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
In its 5:00 a.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau said Carina was last seen 290 kilometers (km) Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
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It has maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph.
Red rainfall warning (over 30 millimeters of expected rain) was also raised over Metro Manila, Rizal, and Bataan; Orange rainfall warning (15 mm to 30 mm of rain) in Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite and Zambales; and Yellow rainfall warning (7.5 mm to 15 mm of rain) in Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas and parts of Quezon province.
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Dole to help find IT, BPO jobs for displaced Pogo workers | Jerome Aning | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:25:00 PST | Inquirer file photo
Inquirer file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) on Tuesday said it would roll out emergency and reemployment assistance to workers who will be affected by the total ban announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).
The year-end deadline given by Marcos to close all Pogos will provide Dole with a “window” to prepare and implement its “interventions,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in an interview on dwFM.
Laguesma said Dole’s emergency employment, skills upgrade and retooling, training and employment facilitation programs will be based on the “profiling” to be conducted for Filipino workers directly employed by Pogos.
READ: Marcos bans Pogo, cites ‘disorder’ it caused PH
The secretary said that of the 79 “registered Pogos” in Metro Manila, 28 have so far submitted the names of their employees.
Based on the initial profiling conducted on about 10,000 employees from the 28 Pogos, they could find new jobs in information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, he added.
It was not immediately clear why Dole’s count of registered Metro Manila Pogos differed from that given by the chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), who on Tuesday said there were only 43 legal Pogos remaining.
Asked if Pogos and internet game licensees (IGL) are one and the same, Laguesma said that “based on my understanding” of Marcos’ pronouncements, the two terms are the same since Pagcor had merely “rebranded” Pogos as IGLs.
In a separate interview on dzBB, Laguesma said many Pogo employees have encoding skills which are in demand in the IT sector, and that those with administrative and finance skills may also find jobs in other companies.
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Marcos report on ‘bloodless’ antidrug drive disputed | Jane Bautista | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:20:00 PST | Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. engaged in “plain and simple propaganda” when he reported in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) that his administration had been waging a “bloodless” campaign against illegal drugs.
This was according to the authors of a recent research project based at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, who said they had recorded around 700 drug-related killings in the country since Marcos assumed office in mid-2022.
READ: Sona 2024: A quick look at main issues
“With the rhetoric of having a bloodless drug war, the tendency of the people is to forget that all these killings are still happening,’’ said Joel Ariate Jr. of the UP Third World Studies Center (TWSC).
“And without public intervention, without institutions looking in at the practices of this government, then we would be thinking that the drug war is quite over … but it’s not,” he said in an interview with ANC on Tuesday.
Ariate was reacting to one of the highlights of the July 22 Sona where the President reported: “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.”
But according to the Dahas Project of the UP TWSC, the research documented 359 drug-related killings from July 2023 to June 30, and 342 killings in the year before.
The Dahas report, which was written by research associates Larah Vinda del Mundo and Vincent Halog, said unidentified assailants—often masked gunmen on motorbikes and whose attacks were seen by eyewitnesses—accounted for 135 or 37.6 percent of the 359 deaths since July 2023.
State agents, on the other hand, “continue to be prominently involved” and were “responsible” for 123 or 34.3 percent of the killings, the report added.
Killings attributed to identified private individuals accounted for 63 deaths (17.5 percent). There were also 38 recorded cases (10.6 percent) where the victim’s body was just found and no one saw the actual killing.
“Despite several characterizations by Malacañang of a ‘bloodless drug war’—or, as claimed by some, ‘less bloody’—state agents remain the primary perpetrators of drug-related killings in the two years of the administration of Marcos Jr.,” the researchers said in the report released on July 20.
Dahas, a project recognized by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, was an offshoot of an earlier undertaking—the Violence, Human Rights, and Democracy Project—jointly conducted by UP and Ghent University in Belgium from 2018 to 2022, during the Duterte administration.
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For Dahas, researchers collected data from the news media and social media posts from the various police units and related government agencies.
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House committee to back Marcos’ development agenda | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:59:37 PST | Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co —photo from the Office of Elizaldy Co Media Affairs
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co —photo from the Office of Elizaldy Co Media Affairs
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s development plan through a strategic allocation of next year’s budget, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said on Tuesday.
Co, who heads the House committee on appropriations, said in a statement that he will support the President’s plans by ensuring that key projects would have sufficient allocation.
“President Marcos again demonstrated his unwavering dedication to uplift the lives of every Filipino. His comprehensive plans and initiatives are testaments of his vision for a brighter future for our nation,” Co said.
READ: Sona 2024: Marcos admits economic gains mean little with high prices
“As chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, I will ensure that necessary funds for his priority projects are properly allocated,” he added.
Co said the House plays a very important role in crafting the budget, as proper management of resources would ensure the continuity of programs.
READ: Marcos says admin’s infrastructure program on track
“An integral part of the success of the President’s vision lies in our ability to judiciously allocate funds where they are most needed. The President has set clear priorities that will drive our nation forward, and it is my duty to ensure these priorities are met with the appropriate financial support to turn them into reality,” he added.
READ: Marcos pushes for more aid to pregnant women under 4Ps
Marcos mentioned several gains of his administration during his State of the Nation Address on Monday, like the effect of infrastructure programs particularly the construction of roads and bridges, the implementation of disaster risk management initiatives and climate change response, and health programs that seek to prevent malnutrition and protect mothers and their infant children.
However, the President also admitted—at the start of his speech—that these good statistics do not mean anything if Filipinos struggle to buy basic goods and commodities like rice, which still sits at around P45 to P65 per kilogram.
Co said agricultural development and modern farming methods will address Marcos’ concerns about the price of goods—noting that House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has instructed them to allocate funds for irrigation and fertigation, contract farming, seeds distribution and farm mechanization.
“We also support initiatives like handing out Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families (PAFFF), and infrastructure projects that include solar irrigation, farm-to-market roads, and other programs to give farmers a better life,” he said.
“Per the instruction of President Marcos, we will continue constructing new Legacy Specialty Hospitals in various regions. We’re also upgrading existing medical facilities to safeguard the health of the people, which is why we need to ensure funds are properly allocated,” he said.
Co also noted that infrastructure development will be supported, along with education.
“Quality education is the foundation of our country’s future. We will make the necessary allocations to improve schools and educational facilities, give more scholarships, develop our teachers to better educate our youth,” he said.
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“President Marcos can count on the support of the House of Representatives to deliver the best public service to our citizens,” he added.
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Business groups cheer Pogo ban | Alden M. Monzon | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:12:00 PST | INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
The country’s largest business groups have backed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s move to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo), with efforts under way to help find jobs for Filipino workers who will be displaced by their departure.
“[The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)] has been working with the Department of Labor and Employment, the Private Sector Advisory Council, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines and industry associations on the Jobs project and we hope to help these displaced workers,” Enunina Mangio, president of the PCCI, said in a message sent to the Inquirer.
READ: Marcos bans Pogo, cites ‘disorder’ it caused PH
The private sector-led Project Jobs aims to give employment to 1 million people this year.
“We also hope our national and local government at the front line of business processing and licensing systems could further ease such processes to facilitate the entry of legitimate new investments and expansion of old ones,” Mangio added.
For their part, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. president Cecilio Pedro said in a viber message that: “We are so positive with the Sona (State of the Nation Address) speech of [Marcos] especially with regards to the de-escalation of the tension in the West Philippine Sea and banning of Pogos by the end of the year.”
“These are very crucial issues that needed attention and decisions which were acted upon. We are very positive that the country will move forward in the coming days and look forward to a very positive year ahead of us,” he added.
Roberto Claudio, president of the Philippine Retailers Association, told the Inquirer that he found the President’s speech “very powerful,” citing that it gave a detailed description of the government’s programs that were achieved, as well as the future priorities of the administration.
Asked whether he thinks the Pogo shutdown will affect the retail industry, Claudio said he believes the move will have no impact on their sector.
“They bring in their food and supplies. They consume China-made products [brought] into the country in the same manner they bring their financial assets,” he said.
READ: Recto: Gov’t to help Filipino Pogo workers find new jobs
Meanwhile, Federation of Philippine Industries chair Jesus Arranza said that the President’s move to ban Pogos is the right move, noting that any economic contribution that the sector brings is outweighed by associated crimes.
“It’s (Pogos) a source of corruption, a source of all sorts of crime. It is outlawed in China and yet we are receiving them here,” Arranza said in a phone interview with the Inquirer.
He said that even the sector’s contribution to job generation is questionable, noting that the majority of Pogo workers are Chinese and are not Filipinos.
A least two foreign business chambers have expressed renewed optimism following the President’s Sona.
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) noted that they had previously called on the president to support critical legislation that promotes inclusive growth through job generation, poverty reduction, and global competitiveness.
“We appreciate that today, the President highlighted the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act) amendments to help boost energy security and economic development and CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy) to update the country’s investment incentive policies to strengthen competitiveness,” AmCHam said in a statement late Monday night.
“We also reiterate support for Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council priority measures such as the Konektadong Pinoy bill, which will expand internet connectivity and benefit the many digitalization efforts raised during the President’s speech.
AmCham is also backing the creation of a Department of Water Resources, which it said will address the country’s long-running water security and supply concerns.
Additionally, the business chamber noted airport governance reform bills, which it sees as crucial to improve the Philippines’ aviation and tourism sectors.
Meanwhile, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said it appreciates what it described as a “comprehensive” and “forward-looking” Sona.
“The chamber recognizes the administration’s continued efforts to address critical issues and foster a thriving economic environment in the Philippines,” the ECCP said in a statement which it also released late Monday night.
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“The ECCP is encouraged by the President’s emphasis on key priorities, including boosting the agriculture sector, advancing environmental protection and the fight against climate change, promoting industry growth, accelerating infrastructure development and digital transformation, advancing human capital development, promoting job generation, and ensuring social welfare and protection,” it added.
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Consumer groups, firms back call for Epira review | Lisbet K. Esmael | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:07:00 PST | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for Congress to review the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. (Epira) has gained support from consumer welfare advocates and other stakeholders amid power issues that continue to haunt Filipino consumers.
The People for Power Coalition (P4P) welcomed the Chief Executive’s recognition of problems in the sector, but said a “comprehensive” review of the country’s key law on electricity has been “long overdue.”
During his third State of the Nation Address, Marcos urged both chambers of the legislature to determine if the law needed revisions to improve the local power sector.
READ: Marcos tells Congress to review if Epira needs to be amended
Enacted in 2001, Epira seeks to ensure competitive rates in the power market.
However, when asked, P4P did not point out which provisions of the law needed to be amended. Instead, the group stressed “the urgency of an ambitious shift to renewable energy for clean, affordable, and reliable energy for all Filipinos.”
Another consumer group, Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy or PARE, also backed a possible move of Congress to review the Epira.
PARE hopes to see reforms related to the improvement in the management of electric and telecommunications lines to address issues on efficiency and safety as well as a ban on cross-ownership among distribution utilities and power generation companies.
It is also pushing for reforms on strengthening the regulatory powers of the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulation Commission in terms of protecting consumers’ rights; and fair and competitive bidding processes by requiring representation from an ERC-accredited consumer group during auctions.
READ: 3rd Sona: Marcos vows more computers, solar power for education
Nic Satur Jr., chief advocate officer of PARE, earlier said that a review of Epira is needed to determine what reforms should be pursued to resolve issues such as the high cost of electricity as well as “consistent power outages.”
“While EPIRA was envisioned as the solution to end all energy issues back then, that vision has not turned into reality,” Satur said. “Therefore, reforms are needed now to enhance the law and bring a better quality of life to Filipinos.”
Jose Layug Jr., president of Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement Inc., also voiced his support for the planned review of Epira.
“If necessary, we will support any amendment of EPIRA that is geared towards the same goal to achieve optimal cost of power,” Layug said in a message sent to the Inquirer.
Meanwhile, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and Aboitiz Power Corp. both backed the Marcos administration’s efforts to address rising power costs and to ensure that consumers have secure and reliable electricity systems.
“We will continue to advance programs in coordination with the government in order to help us achieve stable, reliable and competitively priced electricity that will benefit electricity end-users and drive the country’s economic growth,” Meralco said Tuesday.
AboitizPower also highlighted the need to have a balanced power generation mix, which includes renewable energy sources.
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“Like the President, the company [we] welcomes the significant progress in transmission infrastructure in the past year, as this will unlock capacity that is meant to meet the requirements of demand centers, hence propelling the economy forward,” it added. INQ
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PH agri sector still on track to hit 2024 growth target | Lisbet K. Esmael | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:01:00 PST | Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
The government is still optimistic that the agriculture and fisheries sector will hit its growth target of 1 to 2 percent in 2024 despite the El Niño phenomenon wreaking havoc on crops and fishing areas earlier this year.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, however, that achieving the target growth expansion would be “not too easy” since the sector suffered from the drought caused by El Niño, which ended last month.
READ: Marcos sets allocation target in machinery, water projects, irrigation
“We started with El Niño ng January tapos katatapos lang ng June then we’re coming with La Niña,” he said during a conference on Tuesday, a day after the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
El Niño is a weather phenomenon characterized by below normal rainfall conditions. La Niña, meanwhile, is the opposite.
Aside from widespread power outages hitting thousands of households across the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) previously reported that agricultural damage due to El Niño reached P6.3 billion as of May.
READ: Agri damage due to El Niño hits P1.6 billion
The rice sector, it said, suffered the most with P3.3 billion worth of damage.
Mimaropa had the highest reported damage at P1.7 billion, followed by Western Visayas with P1.5 billion, and the Cordillera Administrative Region with almost P800 million.
However, Laurel was confident that local farmers could still increase their production with more irrigated land, including 45,000 hectares of new land.
“Of course, El Niño mas mababa ang production nang konti. Sa La Niña as long as walang malaking bagyo, I think mas mataas ang production (Of course, lower production was recorded during El Niño. In La Niña, as long as there are no strong typhoons, I think we will have higher production volume), he added.
Last year, the agriculture sector grew at 1.2 percent, buoyed by higher poultry and livestock production, as well as the increase in fruit and rice harvest.
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Rice harvest in 2023 reached 20.06 million metric tons, according to a previous statement from DA. INQ
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Abalos: No Pogo in Cebu but will investigate suspicious sites | John Eric Mendoza | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:19:49 PST | Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. —Benhur Abalos Facebook page
Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. —Benhur Abalos Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — There are no registered Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in Cebu province, but suspicious activities related to the now-banned industry were reported, according to Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.
Abalos made the revelation in an ambush interview at the National Bureau of Investigation, citing the reports of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chairman Alejandro Tengco.
The Department of Interior and Local Government chief also said he will go to Cebu province next week to investigate.
“We’re going to Cebu next week, because there are reports that there are such activities,” Abalos said, partly in Filipino, referring to suspicious structures similar to those raided Pogo hubs recently.
“But remember there are no Pogo in Cebu, no licensed Pogo — nothing,” Abalos also said, without further elaborating.
Abalos noted that the raided Pogo in Porac, Pampanga and Bamban, Tarlac were also unlicensed.
During a Pogo hub raid in Porac town in June, a total of 186 people were rescued over reports of human trafficking, with some of the foreign employees allegedly tortured or sold for sex.
READ: Pampanga Pogo linked to scams, trafficking; 186 rescued in raid
Last March 13, 371 Filipinos and 497 foreigners were rescued from a Pogo hub in Bamban, Tarlac, which was raided for alleged human trafficking involvement.
The Pogo was linked to now suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. instructed the ban of Pogo sites in his third State of the Nation Address.
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Marcos gave Pagcor until the end of the year to fully stop Pogo operations.
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Comelec, PTFoMS sign MOA to protect media during polls | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:35:39 PST | Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia —official Facebook page of Comelec
Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia —official Facebook page of Comelec
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) signed a deal on Tuesday aimed at fostering safety and respect for the members of the press covering the elections.
It was sealed through a memorandum of agreement signed by Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia and PTFoMS Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez at the Comelec Main Office in Manila.
READ: Violent treatment of media soon to become election offense, says PTFoMS
“This MOA is part of the continuing effort by the Marcos government to create a safe media environment for members of the press all over the country, especially during elections,” Gutierrez said in his opening remarks.
READ: PH media, human rights records draw UNHRC member states’ attention
The agreement also aims to offer media practitioners a safe and protected environment and to ensure they can carry out their duty of reporting truthful election-related news.
Garcia, for his part, said that poll workers also experience threats, harassment, and loss of life faced by journalists during elections.
“What you (journalists) experience during elections is also experienced by our staff, especially those in the field,” he said.
He then highlighted the important role of the media in achieving Comelec’s mandate of honest and orderly elections.
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Flood hits Metro Manila roads on Wednesday | Faith Argosino | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:46:24 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Gutter to chest-high floods affected many roads in Metro Manila on Wednesday due to heavy rains, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The following roads were submerged in an 8- to 19-inch deep flood, based on advisories from the MMDA and police:
City of Manila
Bonifacio Drive 25th Street, northbound and southbound (SB): gutter high (8 inches)
Dimasalang cor. Becerra St. Sta. Cruz: gutter high (8 Inches)
España-Lacson Ave. Intersection: gutter high (8 inches )
Roxas Ave. – Kalaw: gutter high (8 inches)
Vito Cruz to Taft Ave.: knee high (19 inches)
España-R. Magsaysay: Below gutter (7 inches)
España-Antipolo st: Half tire (24 inches)
España-P.Margal/Blumentritt: Half knee (9-10 inches )
España-M. Dela Fuente: Half tire (13-14 inches )
N. Zamora cor Herbosa St.
J. Nolasco St corner Morga
Rizal Ave Bambang to Recto
Fugoso St. Cor Q.Blvd
España to Lacson
Dapitan to Lacson
Along Espana from Vicente Cruz to M. Dela Fuente
RM Blvd. Cor Pureza
Maceda Retiro
Southbound of Roxas Blvd (in front of Rizal monument) to Kalaw Ave.: Gutter deep
Kalaw Ave. cor Taft (east and westbound)
Mabini (from Faura) to UN Ave: (Gutter deep)
UN Ave. cor M. Orosa: (Gutter deep)
M. Orosa to Kalaw Ave.: (Gutter deep)
UN Ave cor Taft Ave.
Along Taft Ave. (from Ayala to P. Gil, North and Southbound)
Gen Luna cor UN Ave.
Paz cor P. Gil
Faura cor Agoncillo to Taft Ave.
PGIL – Osmena
Vito Cruz cor Osmeña
Osmeña, Quirino Ave
A. Francisco
Abad Santos cor Tecson Vargas
Abad Santos Tayuman
RM Blvd
Mabini St Fronting Malate Police Station PS-9
Quirino Ave
P Ocampo St
Taft / Quirino Ave
Taft / P Ocampo
L Guinto
Arellano Ave
Roxas Blvd Service Road
P. Quirino Ave. Southbound
CM Recto Ave. corner Rizal Ave.
CM Recto Ave. corner F. Torres St.
Masangkay St. corner Salazar St.
Mel Lopez Blvd. corner Delpan St. (Knee level)
Delpan Station
Isla Bungad flooded
Isla Bungad to Purok 1
Yamamura R10 south bound
Mel Lopez Blvd Southbound going MICT road
Port Area AOR Brgy. 650, Port Area Manila
Carlos Palanca Corner Quezon Blvd
Loyola Moret
Mendiola – Bustillos
Quezon City
Camp Aguinaldo Gate 2 and Gate 3: Subsided
Edsa NB, Dario: Above knee high
Elliptical Visayas Ave., along Department of Agrarian Reform: Knee-high
C5, Katipunan along Ateneo gate 3 NB: Above knee high
Edsa SB, Panay Ave.: Above gutter high
Edsa NB, Kamuning Intersection: gutter high
Pasay City
Edsa Taft NB/SB: Knee deep (19 inches)
Edsa Roxas Blvd. Heritage: Gutter deep (8 inches )
Mandaluyong City
Edsa Shaw Blvd. : Gutter deep
Edsa SB, Ortigas flyover split: Gutter deep
Barangay Plainview:
– Maysilo Circle (BDO/BFP) (Knee level)
– Maysilo Circle (Knee level)
– San Pablo St. (Knee level)
– San Joaquin St. (Knee level)
– Sto. Rosario St. (Knee level)
– South Sikap cor tanglaw (Ankle level)
– Fabella (Ankle level)
– Boni Sikap (Ankle level)
– North Sikap (Ankle level)
– Malaya (Ankle level)
– Bumatay (Ankle level)
– San Rafael (Knee level)
– Plainview School (Waist level)
Barangay Hulo
– Private Road (Knee level)
– Pantaleon (Knee level)
– Neptali tyaga (Knee level)
Barangay Hagdan Bato Libis
– M. Yulo St. (Chest level)
– Guerrero (Ankle level)
– L.Cruz (Ankle level)
– Araullo (Ankle level)
Barangay Mabini J. Rizal
– Nanirahan St. (Knee level)
– Villiarica (Knee level)
Barangay New Zaniga
– F. Ortigas St. (Waist level)
– I. Lopez St. (PVL) (Knee level)
– Ballesteros St. (Waist level)
– P. Cruz St. – Code B (Knee level)
– Canteras (Knee level)
Barangay Barangka Drive
– Bonifacio javier (Knee level)
Barangay Bagong Silang:
– JRU (Ankle level)
– Shaw LTO (Knee level)
– Pinagtipunan (Knee level)
– Max Shaw blvd. (Knee level)
Barangay San Jose
– P. Cruz 7/11 (Ankle level)
– P. Cruz I Lopez (Ankle level)
Barangay Addition Hills
– 9 De Pebrero (Waist Level)
– Maytunas Creek Blk 27C/ 29 (Waist Level)
Barangay Old Zaniga
– Parada (Knee level)
– Hernandez (Knee level)
– Aglipay (Knee level)
– Vicencio (Waist level)
– Mag toto (Knee level)
– Gabriel (Knee level)
– Dela Cruz (Knee level)
– Lerma (Knee level)
– De vinicia lLeyva (Knee level)
Barangay Pag-asa: General Kalengtong – Ankle level
Pasig City
Barangay San Nicolas: Caruncho Ave in front of City hall – Gutter deep
Barangay San Miguel:
– Eusebio Ave Brgy. San Miguel – Below knee level
– Mercedez Ave going to M. Eusebio – Below knee level
Barangay San Joaquin: Elisco Rd. Brgy San Joaquin – Gutter Deep
Barangay Kalawaan: Axis Road Brgy Kalawaan – Gutter Deep
Barangay Pinagbuhatan:
– Urbano Velasco Ave.- knee level
– Sandoval Ave in front of Arezzo- Gutter Deep
Barangay Malinao:
– G. Raymundo going to F. Manalo- below knee level
– 9Caruncho Ave Infron of EPD Headquarters – Gutter deep
Marikina City
Mt. Everest St., Brgy Sta Elena Marikina City (not specified but flooded)
San Juan City
Barangay Kabayanan: A Rita St corner RJ Fernandez St (Knee level)
Barangay San Perfecto: along San Perfecto St. (Knee level)
Barangay Batis: San Luis St, J. Wright St. (Knee level)
Valenzuela St corner A Rita (Knee level)
F Manalo St. (Knee level)
Barangay Addition Hills:
– Argon st corner Hoover St. (Knee level)
– Along Mabini St. (Knee level)
Barangay Salapan: along 29 De Agosto St. (Knee level)
Barangay Littel Baguio: along Barasoian St. (Knee level)
Makati City
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Pasong Tamo Tunnel cor Edsa Brgy Magallanes Makati City
Buendia Osmena
South Super Highway going to Villamor Pasay
Along Pasong Tamo Cor Onnix Brgy. La Paz
Evangelista
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s 11:00 a.m. bulletin, Typhoon Carina was last spotted some 345 kilometers north – northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving north – northwest at 15 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 165 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.
It also enhanced the southwest monsoon or “habagat”, and is expected to bring moderate to intense rainfall in the western part of Luzon from Wednesday to Friday.
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PNP, NBI share similar findings: Man in drug video not Marcos | Frances Mangosing | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:15:00 PST | (from left) Justice Undesecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres, NBI Director Jaime Santiago, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos and PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil discussing the analysis result on video allegedly that of the President. —Photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas/INQUIRER.net
(from left) Justice Undesecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres, NBI Director Jaime Santiago, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos and PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil discussing the analysis result on video allegedly that of the President. —Photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Separate forensic analysis conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police suggested that the man supposedly taking drugs in a viral video was not President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
At a press conference on Tuesday, the NBI said it used an imaging process called video spectral comparator to determine the authenticity of the video, which was reportedly shown at an antigovernment rally in the United States. It shows a man, supposedly Marcos, taking what appears to be white powder from a small plastic container and sniffing it.
READ: DOJ, PNP to probe ‘fake,’ ‘malicious’ Marcos video
The NBI compared the right ear of the President and the man in the video and pointed out their “unique characteristics” to show that these were two different people.
Joseph Reuel Cruz of the NBI said the features of Marcos’ right ear were “more embossed” and “larger” compared to the unidentified man.
“And those are just the ears. The jawline and the facial structure are also different from each other,” Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. added.
The PNP agreed with the NBI’s findings based on their separate analysis.
“These pictures show significant discrepancy in the facial features, particularly the size of the ear, shape of the eyes, shape of the nose and the sideburns,” PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Cariaga said.
According to him, they are also investigating those who spread the video and the sites that re-uploaded them.
The Department of Justice, however, could not say whether the man in the video was an actual person or created by artificial intelligence (AI) technology. “But definitely, he’s not the President,” Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres said.
“The intention is to make a misrepresentation. This impostor is trying to present himself as an image of the President doing unsavory acts. This is really malicious,” Andres said.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the video was created by “disgruntled individuals” who were belittling the intelligence of the public.
“They think we are small-minded,” he said.
According to Andres, they already have “substantial leads” on the possible perpetrators and they are also looking into whether individuals who shared the video may be held liable for cybercrime.
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“We are looking into that angle—whether there is bad faith in circulating this and if you provided particular comments as if you’re agreeing with respect to this video being a representation of the President, you may be equally liable for cybercrime,” he said.
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Nelle gets prep time with Gilas hero and PBA legend Alapag | Denison Rey A. Dalupang | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:25:00 PST | La Salle guard Evan Nelle shoots past UP defenders in Game 1 of the UAAP men’s basketball finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
La Salle guard Evan Nelle shoots past UP defenders in Game 1 of the UAAP men’s basketball finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Having won collegiate titles for two different schools in two different leagues, Evan Nelle is poised to enter the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) with a different kind of edge in hand.
Interestingly, that’s not the only advantage he has.
Nelle was able to pick the brains of the decorated Jimmy Alapag and even trained with the PBA legend weeks before his name was called 14th overall (No. 2 in the second round) by the NorthPort franchise during the Rookie Draft.
“Coach Jimmy opened new perspectives for me,” he told the Inquirer of the short but immensely productive workout with the six-time PBA champion, 2011 Most Valuable Player (MVP), and former Gilas Pilipinas skipper in Sacramento, California.
“He taught me what it takes to be more great, what else I have to do to reach new goals,” Nelle went on.
Aside from Alapag, Nelle also had help from Maurice Hernandez, the strength and conditioning coach of Power Pack Fitness also in Sacramento, who made sure that the La Salle playmaker’s fitness is on par with the kind of opponents that awaited him in Asia’s pioneering pro league.
“They opened my eyes to see that in the pros, it’s all about how long you can stay (in the league), and it’s the work you put in [along with] the confidence you have in your work,” said Nelle.
“I just hope it all translates once I get to play.”
Nelle, who also went through the storied San Beda program before joining the Green Archers, waxed candid when asked about how hands-on Alapag was with him during his weeklong training in the United States.
“Whenever I missed my shots, coach Jimmy would tell me to just keep going, to play through it all,” he recalled. “He saw that I’m emotional—and that I get frustrated easily. So he kept telling ‘on to the next.’”
“To hear that from Jimmy Alapag, who’s already a coach in the NBA? To get actual lessons from him? It’s humbling,” Nelle added. “If I could train there for a month or something, I would’ve.”
Alapag is currently a player development coach for the Sacramento Kings.
Now at home and far from Alapag’s guidance, Nelle intends to improve his smarts on the court.
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“More on decision-making,” he said when asked about points of improvement. “I know I lack that. Sometimes I’m too confident, and sometimes I overthink. If I get that aspect sorted, I know that’ll translate into my game and help the game to be easier, and help the team win.” INQ
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Bachmann backs increased PE hours | June Navarro | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:10:00 PST | PSC chairman Dickie Bachmann–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER
PSC chairman Dickie Bachmann–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Richard Bachmann will push for the return of extensive Physical Education (PE) hours in the hopes of tapping into a wider base for talent-identification.
“More athletes can be discovered by giving priority to PE, [athletes] who can someday compete for our country in international competitions,’’ said Bachmann.
Bachmann plans to sit with new Education Secretary Sonny Angara to pitch for the return of PE’s daily schedule to school curriculum.
“When I grew up it’s at least one hour every day. I remember perspiring as we went to the next class after PE. We always looked forward to these PE classes,’’ said Bachmann.
Bachmann is riding the momentum of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address, where the chief executive said it’s high time that the call to increase the physical education hours in schools should be taken seriously.
“We will continue to support these health-enhancing sports programs,’’ said Mr. Marcos. “Through these, we will also send forth our youth on the same well-established path that has taken some of our national champions and renowned athletes to sporting greatness.’’
PE was a staple in daily school activities until the 1980s before the Education department, then known as Department of Education, Culture and Sports, reduced PE hours dramatically.
Collaborate
“I heard that PE classes have decreased over the years with some schools allowing their students to play and compete in sports for only 45 minutes every two weeks,’’ said Bachmann.
The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to host and organize the annual Palarong Pambansa that showcases the top student-athletes across the country in the elementary and secondary levels.
It’s the biggest gathering of promising athletes from the 17 regions in the country with a massive attendance of over 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials in at least 20 sports in a weeklong meet that Cebu City hosted early this month.
Bachmann said the PSC, the government’s arm in sports, is willing to collaborate with the DepEd on the training of coaches that could mold these kids properly.
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“We hope we could help the PE teachers become certified coaches through the NSAs (national sports associations),’’ said Bachmann. INQ
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US officials arriving for defense talks on July 30 | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:45:09 PST | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken —photo by Saul Loeb/Agence France-Presse
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken —photo by Saul Loeb/Agence France-Presse
MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will meet with their American counterparts, State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, in Manila on July 30 for the 4th Philippines-US Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue.
The officials will discuss bilateral cooperation on security and economy, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
READ: PH, US set 2+2 dialogue on July 30
“The four Secretaries are expected to discuss how to further enhance our two countries’ ironclad commitment to this alliance while enabling a common program in support of the rules-based international order, enhanced economic ties, broad-based prosperity and solutions to evolving regional and global security challenges,” the DFA said.
US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, in a statement on Monday, said that Blinken and Austin would also “continue to build the momentum of … US-Japan-Philippine trilateral cooperation.” —Jacob Lazaro
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DOF: Fund transfer from PhilHealth, GOCCs legal | Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:00:00 PST | Inquirer files
Inquirer files
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Finance (DOF) has defended its directive for government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), including the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), to remit unused subsidies to the national treasury, saying the excess money can be used to fund projects to help boost the economy.
“First of all, we are just following the order of Congress. It said in the 2024 budget that the DOF should issue a circular to use these funds that are possibly just hibernating or sleeping and not being used by other GOCCs,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said at a discussion following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Tuesday.
READ: Watchdogs question PhilHealth fund transfer
The Good Corporate Governance, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel and Commission on Audit had also affirmed the DOF directive was legal, he pointed out.
READ: Bankrolling other services using PhilHealth funds unethical – Makabayan
Recto said the surplus funds would enhance the economy by “approximately 0.8 percentage points,” generating over 600,000 jobs to help the government reach its annual growth target of six to seven percent. According to his projection, the economy will grow by six percent in the second quarter.
The money, he added, would fund some of the priority projects under unprogrammed appropriations. These include the Metro Manila Subway Project, North-South Commuter Railway System and Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project, among others.
The latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed that so far, P50 billion in unutilized subsidies have been remitted to the government—P20 billion from PhilHealth and P30 billion from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. Recto said the DOF was looking at collecting around P200 billion in excess funds from the two GOCCs by yearend.
PhilHealth, for its part, assured members the transfer of excess funds would not affect their benefits, adding that these would instead be expanded and enhanced according to the benefit plan approved by its board.
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PVL: Oly Okaro switches to ‘destroy mode’ for Akari | Angel B. Dukha III | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:30:00 PST | Akari Chargers’ Oly Okaro in the PVL Reinforced COnference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Akari Chargers’ Oly Okaro in the PVL Reinforced COnference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Akari had some setbacks before and during its battle against Choco Mucho.
The Chargers had scheduling issues in their practices. The Titans seemed to have figured out what to do against one of Akari’s main guns, Ivy Lacsina. And then there was that two-set deficit the Chargers faced.
None of those broke Oly Okaro’s spirit.
“I just came ready to fight,” she said. “I know that there’s no way I am leaving without fighting, as well as the rest of the team.” Okaro willed her way to 38 points on Tuesday and energized Akari’s reverse sweep of Choco Mucho, 18-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13, for a 2-0 start in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
“We all have that same idea in mind so even after we lost the first two sets, it turned from a physical game to a mental game as well just knowing that you need to stay strong mentally because now it’s gonna be a long game,” Okaro said after matching the season’s single game scoring record set by Tots Carlos in the last All-Filipino Conference.
“So I think we executed it pretty well,” she added.
Facing former cog Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Akari looked like it was in for a short and ugly night.
But with the Chargers’ playmakers began unlocking Okaro even when she was in the back row, and the revamped crew instead accomplished their best start since joining the pro league.
“I was in destroy mode because I was just thinking even though we lost the first two sets, it didn’t mean anything to me. I just really wanted to win, I just wanted to do everything that we could to win,” Okaro said.
With Okaro as the spearhead, the Chargers overcame a hefty 40-error mishap in the two-hour-24-minute clash.
“I think we also used [the setbacks] to our advantage because we came together and just remember what the end goal is and fight, just reminded the team of that and to stay focused and patient because it was gonna be a long game; and it was,” she said.
With the Flying Titans limiting Lacsina to a quiet 10 points, the American import stepped up from her debut performance of 17 points against Capital1.
“I knew that I could put [balls] away, at least most of them, so I wanted to take some load off from Ivy cause Ivy’s doing really well but I wanted to also step up in my position,” Okaro said.
“So I was communicating with the setter, letting her know that in this game feel free to find me, just keep looking for me I am gonna be ready, just keep throwing it my way.”
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“I would say that the character of the team is a very strong and passionate fighting attitude because even though we’re down, collectively we come together so we all know that we don’t wanna lose this game, at least we’re not gonna lose it without a fight,” she added.
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Kin of dead prosecutors get survivorship benefits | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:50:00 PST | Inquirer photo/Noy Morcoso
Inquirer photo/Noy Morcoso
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Tuesday that it had started distributing survivorship benefits to eligible families of deceased retired prosecutors under Republic Act No. 11643.
The benefits were credited to the bank accounts of the first batch of 25 qualified beneficiaries covering the period of Jan. 1 to July 1, the DOJ said in a statement.
READ: DOJ: Updated criminal probe rules will not lead to abuses
Under the law signed in 2022, the families of eligible prosecutors can receive survivorship benefits that include all accrued retirement benefits the deceased prosecutor would have been entitled to.
“Our commitment to honoring our prosecutors goes beyond life, considering they have sacrificed so much in the administration of the criminal justice system,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
Based on DOJ Circular No. 38 signed by Remulla in 2023, “claims may only be filed by the legitimate surviving spouse, dependent child/children of the qualified prosecutor, or legal guardian or duly authorized representative of the qualified beneficiary/ies.” — Jane Bautista
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Typhoon Carina: Signal No. 1 lifted in Apayao; Batanes under Signal No. 2 | John Eric Mendoza | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:38:35 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Carina-induced tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 1 was already lifted in Apayao but Signal No. 2 remains in Batanes, state meteorologists reported on Tuesday night.
As of 11:00 p.m. Carina’s center was last spotted 335 kilometers east northeast of Basco, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gustiness of up to 185 km/h.
READ: Typhoon Carina intensifies habagat; continues to bring more rain
Batanes remains under TCWS No. 2, where winds of greater than 62 km/h and up to 88 km/h, may be expected for at least 24 hours. This wind speed may lead to minor to moderate impacts to life and property.
Three areas namely Babuyan Islands; the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Claveria, Santa Praxedes, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Santa Ana, Gonzaga); and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Burgos, Bangui, Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Adams) are under TCWS No. 1, which will experience 39 to 61 km/h wind speed. Minimal to minor threat to life and property, are also expected.
On the track forecast, Carina will cross the rugged terrain of Taiwan and exit the Philippine area of responsibility Wednesday evening or Thursday early morning.
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Work in gov’t offices, classes in Metro Manila suspended on Wednesday | Zacarian Sarao | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:26:52 PST | FOR EMERGENCIES: List of government hotlines
MANILA, Philippines – Classes at all levels and work in most government offices in Metro Manila are suspended on Wednesday due to inclement weather, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Because of the forecast continuous rainfall brought about by the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Carina, work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila were suspended at starting at 5 a.m. Monday (today), 24 July 2024, as recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the PCO said in an early morning bulletin.
“Government agencies involved in the delivery of health basic ad services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” the PCO added.
Suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of management.
The Office of the Executive Secretary made the announcement after the Palace suspended classes and government work in Metro Manila on Tuesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the state weather bureau has already issued a red rainfall warning in Metro Manila, Rizal and Bataan due to serious flooding expected in flood-prone areas.
Areas under red warning are forecast to experience over 30 millimeters (mm) of rain in the next two hours, with possible flooding in flood-prone areas
An orange rainfall warning, meanwhile, was raised in Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite and Zambales, while a yellow warning is up over the provinces of Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon (specifically in General Nakar, Infanta, Real, Mauban, Sampaloc).
An orange warning indicates an expected rainfall of 15 to 30 millimeters and “threatening” chances of flooding.
A yellow warning means 7.5 to 15 mm of expected rainfall, with “possible flooding in flood-prone areas.”
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As of 4:00 a.m., Carina was last spotted 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 190 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is up over Batanes.
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Luzon folk flee as Carina triggers floods, landslides | Inquirer Luzon | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:40:00 PST | NATURE’S WRATH A fallen tree blocks a street in Baguio City following continuous rains dumped by Typhoon Carina on Tuesday. The heavy downpour also caused landslides in the city but no injuries were reported. —photo courtesy of Baguio PIO
NATURE’S WRATH A fallen tree blocks a street in Baguio City following continuous rains dumped by Typhoon Carina on Tuesday. The heavy downpour also caused landslides in the city but no injuries were reported. —photo courtesy of Baguio PIO
TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN, Philippines — Although Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) was not forecast to make landfall while moving north-northwestward on Tuesday, it continued to enhance the “habagat“ (southwest monsoon), dumping heavy rain over the western side of Luzon.
The government weather bureau raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over parts of Batanes as continuous rain caused widespread flooding across northern and central Luzon, displacing hundreds of residents in coastal and low-lying areas, according to local disaster risk reduction management offices.
In Metro Manila, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Tuesday that at least seven people in Mindanao died from incidents related to the onslaught of Carina and Tropical Depression Butchoy, which hit the region last week.
The NDRRMC said four deaths were reported in Zamboanga Peninsula and one each in Northern Mindanao region, Davao region and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
In Cagayan province, at least 96 people sought shelter in evacuation centers after floods submerged their communities.
The Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that as of 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the displaced families were staying in shelters in the towns of Peñablanca, Gonzaga and Santa Ana.
Several low-lying bridges in the province were also flooded, including Bagunot and Taytay-San Isidro bridges in Baggao; Natallag overflow bridge in Peñablanca; and Mapurao-Capanickian bridge in Allacapan.
Flooded roads include Tamucco-Balagan-Abariongan Ruar Road in Sto. Niño, and a farm-to-market road and bridge in Sitio Laoc, Gonzaga, Cagayan.
In Pampanga, heavy downpour since Monday night flooded 36 villages in the towns of Masantol, Macabebe, Minalin, Sto. Tomas and the City of San Fernando, according to PDRRMO Chief Angelina Blanco in a report on Tuesday noon.
Floodwaters reached up to .91 meter (3 feet) in the low-lying areas of Del Carmen and San Agustin villages in the City of San Fernando.
San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag reported that four families from Purok 7 in Barangay San Juan were evacuated to the village’s multipurpose center as the creek there overflowed on Monday night.
High tide and monsoon rains also caused water levels to rise as high as .97 meter (3.2 feet) in Masantol and Macabebe towns.
In Bulacan, a high tide of up to 1.49 meter (4.92 feet) on Monday caused floods in the coastal towns of Hagonoy and Bulakan, as well as low-lying areas in the City of Malolos, including Guiguinto.
At least 30 families from Sitio Libis in Bulakan were evacuated to Taliptip Elementary School around noon after high tide inundated their community, according to Bulacan PDRRMO.
It said the weeklong high tide began on July 19 at 1.28 meter (4.2 feet) and is expected to recede to .88 meter (2.89 feet) by Saturday.
Rains over the past several weeks, including those from Carina since Monday, prevented the further depletion of the volume of Angat Dam in Bulacan.
As of Tuesday, the dam’s elevation was recorded at 177.55 meters above sea level (masl), just over 2 meters below the minimum operating level of 180 masl.
In Zambales province, water level in Sta. Fe River in San Marcelino town continued to rise due to heavy rains.
Although the water level remains within normal limits, the local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) continues its sandbagging efforts as a precaution.
In Olongapo City, a warning on the rising water level in a river traversing Barangay Kalaklan was issued at 1:19 p.m. on Tuesday.
The continuous rains also triggered flooding in at least two villages in Juban, Sorsogon, on Tuesday. Some classrooms being prepared for the opening of classes were also hit by floods.
Due to Carina’s onslaught, classes and government work were suspended in Cavite province, Cavite City and Baguio City.
The strong rains caused landslides in Baguio, affecting residential areas at Purok 8 in Barangay Asin Road and Barangay Gabriela Silang.
A landslide also hit Kennon Road at Camp 4 in Tuba, Benguet, damaging and trapping several vehicles going to and leaving Baguio on Tuesday.
In Quezon province, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel on Tuesday for all vessels plying Lamon Bay facing the Pacific Ocean in Mauban town.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Carina slightly intensified as it packed maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center with gustiness of up to 170 km/h.
The weather bureau said the typhoon was spotted at 320 km east of Basco, Batanes before noon on Tuesday.
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Signal No. 1 remained hoisted over the rest of Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, eastern portion of Isabela, northern Apayao, northern Ilocos Norte, northern Aurora, Polillo Islands, Calaguas Island and northern Catanduanes. —with reports from Villamor Visaya Jr., Tonette T. Orejas, Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Joanna Rose Aglibot, Ma. April Mier-Manjares, Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Allan Macatuno and Nestor Corrales
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Escudero rejects Guo apology, tells her to face Senate anew | Tina G. Santos | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:30:00 PST | Senate President Francis Escudero and suspended Mamban Mayor Alice Gu —Inquirer photos
Senate President Francis Escudero and suspended Mamban Mayor Alice Gu —Inquirer photos
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday dismissed the letter of apology submitted to the Upper Chamber by suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.
“Although I understand the understanding she was asking for, until she shows up and follows the Senate’s rules, I cannot accept any request she made in her letter—not only for understanding but also to help her constituents,” Escudero said in a press briefing.
He added that Guo did not indicate in her letter whether or not she would attend the next hearing being conducted by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality chaired by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
In a letter dated July 20, Guo apologized to Escudero over her statement that senators and other government offices should focus on issues in the country instead of being “fixated” on her.
“I would like to apologize if there has been any misunderstanding regarding my statements. I did not intend to dictate or instruct the Senate on what it should prioritize,” she said. “I understand that each lawmaker has their own duties and responsibilities to the country. My intention is simply to provide suggestions based on the problems being experienced by my fellow citizens in Bamban.”
The embattled mayor also appealed to Escudero to help her constituents, saying her suspension has prevented her from fulfilling her duties as a mayor.
“I am requesting your help and understanding. I am hopeful that under your leadership, you will not neglect my fellow countrymen who are in need of government support,” she appealed to lawmakers.
But Escudero noted that the Bamban vice mayor has taken Guo’s place to continue the government’s work in the Tarlac town.
Guo also expressed her readiness to face all charges lodged against her in various offices of government, including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
But Escudero said Guo should face the Senate so the warrant of arrest against her could be lifted.
“I hope that her lawyer advises her properly to face and put an end to this chapter in the Senate so that she can focus and concentrate on the cases she is facing,” he said, adding that the Senate guarantees her safety if she decides to participate in the investigation.
Guo was cited for contempt and ordered arrested for twice refusing to appear in the continuing Senate hearings, where she had testified a few times earlier.
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She said that she had been traumatized and appealed to the Supreme Court to stop Hontiveros and her committee from further questioning her, claiming her constitutional rights to due process and privacy were being violated.
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House suspends work for July 25 due to bad weather | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 22:38:07 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has suspended work for Thursday, July 25, 2024, due to bad weather brought by Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
A memorandum from House Secretary General Reginald Velasco on Wednesday night said that work remains suspended as Metro Manila has been placed under a state of calamity.
READ: Metro Manila now under state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina
“The entire Metro Manila has been placed under a state of calamity due to the flooding and continuous rains caused by Typhoon Carina. In view of this, work in the House of Representatives shall remain suspended on July 25, 2024,” Velasco said in the memo.
READ: Senate, House suspend work on Wednesday, July 24
“However, offices with essential functions shall ensure that all services shall remain unimpeded. The House leadership shall continue to take measures to safeguard the welfare of our employees,” he added.
READ: House suspends session due to bad weather
Work at the House and the Senate was suspended on Wednesday, due to strong rains and flooding across different Metro Manila roads. Prior to this, the House suspended its session on Tuesday, still brought by the inclement weather.
Earlier, the government announced that classes at all levels and work in government offices in Metro Manila and in nearby regions of Central Luzon and Calabarzon due to the extreme weather.
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Marikina River water level gradually receding; 3rd alarm still up | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Wed, 24 Jul 2024 22:29:33 PST | Photo courtesy of Ardee Dizon, Emmanuel Vernard Corpuz via Marikina Filipino-Chinese Fire Brigade Volunteers/Facebook
Photo courtesy of Ardee Dizon, Emmanuel Vernard Corpuz via Marikina Filipino-Chinese Fire Brigade Volunteers/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — Water levels at the Marikina River have been gradually receding, although it is still at the third alarm as of Wednesday night, data from the Marikina City’s Public Information Office (Marikina PIO) showed.
Reports from Marikina PIO as of 10:00 p.m. of July 24 stated that water level at the river is at 19.0 meters — down from 19.5 meters last 9:00 p.m.; 19.4 meters at 9:10 p.m.; and 19.1 meters at 9:40 p.m.
READ: Metro Manila now under state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina
Residents of the city have been monitoring water levels at the river, since flooding usually follows when levels breach the critical level of 18.0 meters.
READ: Marikina River water level nears Ondoy threshold due to Carina
At 18.0 meters, the city enforces forced evacuation for residents.
READ: Marikina River update: 3rd alarm up; forced evacuation on
Rising water levels due to the southwest monsoon, as intensified by Super Typhoon Carina, were compared by local officials to what happened in 2009 when Typhoon Ondoy hit Metro Manila.
Earlier, at 4:40 p.m., the Marikina PIO said the water level reached 20.7 meters—moving near the 21.5 meter level when Ondoy brought torrential rains.
Despite water levels receding, classes at all levels and government work have been suspended in Marikina and the rest of Metro Manila, which has been placed under a state of calamity.
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PVL: Capital1 pulls off major upset vs Petro Gazz | Angel B. Dukha III | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:24:25 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–Capital1 clinched its biggest win in franchise history by stunning Petro Gazz in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena.
Marina Tushova unleashed 24 points, all but one coming from attacks, to lead the Solar Spikers to an impressive 26-24, 25-20, 25-18 sweep of Petro Gazz as Capital1 improved to a 1-1 record.
“I am really happy because who would’ve ever thought that we can win in straight sets. [People] are looking at us as a low-level team and to win in straight sets against a more experienced team it’s such a huge morale booster for young ones,” coach Roger Gorayeb said in Filipino.
“Though we really prepared for [the Angels] yesterday,” he added. “And it was effective because our defense was really strong that even I was surprised.”
Jorelle Singh and Des Clemente contributed nine points apiece with Clemente getting five of the eight blocks of Capital1.
Iris Tolenada played a pivotal role against the two-time defending champions with 15 excellent sets.
Capital1 Spikers’ Iris Tolenada. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“Last game, we were struggling in our counter attacks but now we didn’t so I am really happy,” Gorayeb added as Capital1 bounced back from a four-set loss against Akari in their opening game in Pool B.
The Solar Spikers cleaned up their act from that previous loss where they committed 34 errors, getting only 17 this time.
Petro Gazz had an uncharacteristic performance with Brooke van Sickle being the only Angel to reach twin digits with 19 points. Jonah Sabete and Cuban import Wilma Salas had a low outing of only seven points apiece.
READ: PVL: Capital1 shows promise, ‘strong’ defense despite loss
“I didn’t talk too much before the game. I [tried to stay] calm [unlike] Filipinos who are always happy and sharing emotions … I just need to be like focused,” Tushova said.
“I am super happy because I somehow helped in our win today then I am super proud of my teammates,” rookie opposite hitter Leila Cruz as she experienced her first win in the pro ranks.
Already on the verge of a monumental win, Capital1 rushed to a 17-11 lead in the deciding frame.
KC Galdones committed a huge service error that gave the Solar Spikers a 22-17 advantage before Julia Ipac found a spot on the Angels’ floor to tip the ball and Singh hammered an emphatic kill off the block to seal the game.
“It feels amazing [to win] because we come into practice everyday talking about being a family and being good teammates to each other and that’s exactly what we did today,” Tolenada said.
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“Everyone stayed on their assignment and … it’s just more successful for us when we stick to the plan,” she added Capital1 hopes to build on this new found momentum against Cignal, one of the top teams currently in their group, on Saturday.
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DOH: 37 mobile clinics distributed across Luzon | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:42:21 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said on Tuesday that they have already finished distributing mobile clinics throughout Luzon.
In an ambush interview after the post-State of the Nation Address discussions in Pasay City, Herbosa told reporters that all 37 mobile clinics have been delivered to various regions in Luzon.
READ: DOH eyes 28 ‘ambulant’ health hubs nationwide
“Ang natitira nalang is Visayas and Mindanao, so I think the following week magdadala na kami sa Region 7,” Herbosa said.
(What’s left are Visayas and Mindanao, so I think next week we will bring them to Region 7.)
“Minomonitor namin because we don’t want na ‘yung mga mobile clinics ay nakatengga lang sa mga kapitolyo; gusto namin pumunta talaga sila sa mga remote area at magrereport sila sa amin ng mga services,” he added.
(We are monitoring because we don’t want the mobile clinics to just be idle in the capitals; we want them to go to remote areas and report to us on the services they provide.)
The health chief also mentioned that 46 mobile clinics are scheduled for nationwide delivery, which he acknowledged as a challenge due to the country’s separated islands.
The DOH also earlier announced its plan to build 28 primary care facilities nationwide.
READ: Sona 2024 fact check
These health hubs would be spread out in strategic parts of the country to reach out to communities lacking healthcare establishments, Herbosa said at a press briefing in January.
“Our plan is to build 28 of these primary care facilities to cater to 28 million poor Filipinos by 2028,” he said.
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PVL: Dindin Manabat no hard feelings, regrets in facing Akari | Lance Agcaoili | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 21:22:55 PST | Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ Dindin Santiago-Manabat in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ Dindin Santiago-Manabat in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines — Dindin Santiago-Manabat said there are no hard feelings between her and former team Akari after her transfer ahead of the PVL Reinforced conference.
Santiago-Manabat met her former team, now coached by her brother-in-law Taka Minowa, for the first time but the Chargers sent her new team Choco Mucho to their second straight loss on Tuesday Philsports Arena.
Manabat’s best game of 16 points as a Flying Titan went for naught with the 18-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13 meltdown.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
“I’m happy I got to play against them. I know they had to make a lot of adjustments since my brother-in-law is their coach. I’m super happy, and I have no hard feelings because they were all like family and friends to me,” said Manabat, who had 14 spikes, one block, and an ace.
“It was a friendly game with no hard feelings or anger. Whatever my performance is today, it’s for Choco Mucho,” she added.
At 0-2, Choco Mucho is having its worst start in franchise history since joining the league in 2019, while Akari earned its best start since joining the pros two years ago.
Akari Chargers’ coach Dindin Santiago Manabat. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Despite the Flying Titans’ record so far, Mananbat has no regrets with her decision to switch teams because she knows that they’re just getting started.
“I’m super happy to be part of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans because they gave me such a warm welcome. I have no regrets about joining them, and they have no regrets about choosing me because all my teammates are very positive,” said the 30-year-old spiker. “Whatever happened today and in our past games, they remain very positive.”
READ: PVL: Oly Okaro, Akari rally past Choco Mucho
“Even though we didn’t win this time, maybe it’s teaching us that we’re not always on top. We really need to work hard for what we have. The challenges don’t end here. Every day, there are always challenges we need to overcome.”
Manabat, who scored eight points on her Choco Mucho debut last week, believes she still has a lot to improve to help the Flying Titans enter the win column.
“My performance is still lacking. I know I’m one of the veterans and someone the team relies on, but I just need to trust the system and the program. It’s too early to feel down because in every game, the ball is round, and everyone has a chance,” she said.
“I really need to be one of the positive ones for those who look up to me as their big sister. I can’t doubt myself or be negative. There are many challenges, but we need to overcome them.”
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Choco Mucho, which continues to miss Alas Pilipinas players Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag, seeks to rise from a 0-2 record on Saturday against ZUS Coffee.
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Escudero appeals to national gov’t not to meddle with BARMM polls | Charie Abarca | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:27:56 PST | Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero during the Senate hearing on July 23, 2024. Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero during the Senate hearing on July 23, 2024. Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Chiz Escudero called on the national government to refrain from meddling with elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Escudero made the pronouncement in a press conference on Tuesday after political leaders from BARMM, headed by Governor Abdusakur Mahail Tan, paid a courtesy visit in his office.
“[Ito ay] kortesiyang pagbisita at nais kong gamitin ang pagkakataong ito para pumosisyon at manawagan hindi lamang sa akin – ako na ang magiging unang halimbawa. Sana huwag nang panghimasukan ng nasyonal na pamahalaan o sinumang hindi taga-BARMM ang pagpili ng ating mga kababayan sa BARMM ng kanilang mga magiging lider dito,” said Escudero.
(This is a courtesy visit and I want to use this opportunity to position myself and make a call – I will be the first example. I hope that the national government or anyone who is not from BARMM will not interfere in the choice of our countrymen in BARMM as to who their future leaders will be.)
The Senate president repeatedly clarified that his meeting with Tan and other political leaders from BARMM is not an endorsement.
“Tulad ko, sinumang nasa national government hindi rin dapat makialam at sana wala rin iendorso para malayang makapili ang ating mga kababayan ng kanilang magiging lider,” Escudero emphasized.
(Like me, anyone in the national government should not interfere and hopefully not endorse anyone so that our countrymen can freely choose their future leader.)
According to Escudero, it was only now that a Bangsamoro Grand Coalition was created. He said the coalition is made up of elected officials ibn BARMM — may it be in Congress or in the local government.
“Bilang payo ay huwag silang bumitiw at isang panghahawakan nila ay sabay ang eleksyon sa 2025 sa eleksyon ng BARMM,” said Escudero.
“(As advice, they should head on and push through with their bid that the elections in BARMM be held alongside the 2025 elections.)
Earlier, BARMM Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun said the first parliamentary elections in BARMM is highly-anticipated.
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MMDA: DPWH conducting asphalt overlay in QC areas until July 31 | INQUIRER.net | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:45:07 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is carrying out asphalt overlay activities in parts of Quezon City, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday.
According to its advisory, these activities are being conducted along Congressional Ave. Ext., Tandang Sora Avenue, to Visayas Avenue, and will last until 5:00 a.m. on July 31.
Motorists were advised to take alternate routes.
READ: Parts of EDSA Santolan flyover partially closed for 2 weekends
Meanwhile, portions of the Edsa-Santolan flyover northbound (lane by lane) will also be partially closed for two weekends due to asphalt overlaying.
The overlaying began on the evening of July 19 to the early morning of July 22. It will continue at 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26 until 5:00 a.m. on July 29. — Felice Nafarrete, INQUIRER.net intern
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PVL: Oly Okaro, Akari send Choco Mucho to 0-2 start | Angel B. Dukha III | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:41:13 PST | Oly Okaro and the Akari Chargers come back to beat the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Oly Okaro and the Akari Chargers come back to beat the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Oly Okaro exploded for 38 points to push Akari past Choco Mucho, 18-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13, in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
Okaro highlighted her conference-high outburst with 33 attacks that went with two blocks and three aces for the Chargers, who improved to 2-0.
The American import tied the season-high output of Creamline’s Tots Carlos in the last All-Filipino Conference.
Akari coach Taka Minowa, Oly Okaro, and Ivy Lacsina after a 2-0 start in the Reinforced Conference — the franchise’s best start in league history. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/as35ydEtgm
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 23, 2024
“I am very proud of how I performed, I know there’s also things that I didn’t do very well and it’s something I am gonna work on moving forward but I just came ready to fight. I knew that there’s no way I am leaving without fighting,” Okaro said.
Grethcel Soltones provided backup with 12 points, nine excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions while Ivy Lacsina had 10 points and 12 excellent receptions.
Choco Mucho dropped to a 0-2 card, its worst start since joining the pro league despite Dindin Santiago-Manabat scoring 16 points against her former squad.
Royse Tubino and reinforcement Zoi Faki contributed 14 points apiece while mainstays Maddie Madayag and Maika Ortiz chipped in nine points.
“Even after we lost the first two sets it turned from a physical game to a mental game as well just knowing that you need to stay strong mentally because now it’s gonna be a long game so i think we executed it pretty well,” Okaro said.
Okaro’s offensive performance also made up for Akari’s 40 errors. The Chargers also drew 22 excellent sets from Kamille Cal.
The Chargers showed great resolve, overcoming a two-set deficit and a 10-4 hole in the fourth set behind Okaro.
“I was in destroy mode because I was just thinking even though we lost the first two sets it didn’t mean anything to me. I just really wanted to win, I just wanted to do everything that we could to win,” Okaro said as Akari tries to continue its blistering start against Petro Gazz on Saturday.
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Mayor Binay hopes LGUs can access Loss and Damage Fund | Dianne Sampang | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:33:55 PST | MAKATI, Philippines — Makati City Mayor Abby Binay on Tuesday expressed hope that local government units can have access to the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), which the Philippines got elected to host its board.
“Umaasa ako na mabibigyan ng access ang ating mga local government sa Loss and Damage Fund na ating isinulong noong tayo ay dumalo sa COP 28 sa Dubai bilang myembro ng advisory council ni COP President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber,” Binay said in a statement.
(I am hoping that our local government units will be given access to the Loss and Damage Fund that we pushed for when we attended COP 28 in Dubai as a member of the advisory council of COP President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.)
The LDF is a financing facility created by the United Nations to help vulnerable countries cope with the increasingly costly and damaging impact of climate change.
READ: Philippines elected to host Loss and Damage Fund Board
Furthermore, Binay said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “has underscored the need for global solidarity in assisting vulnerable countries rebuild and recover” with the country hosting the LDF Board.
The mayor also commended Marcos for recognizing the vulnerability of the country to climate change and discussing plans to address it.
READ: Marcos stresses PH vulnerability to climate change in 3rd Sona
“Without confronting climate change, our efforts in securing food, and enhancing the productivity of our farmers are in vain,” she said.
Binay was named in September 2023 as a member of the COP 28 or the United Nations Climate Change Conference focusing on Climate Finance and Loss and Damage.
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OSG eyes filing quo warranto case vs Alice Guo before end-July | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:08:02 PST | Alice Guo —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
Alice Guo —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) aims to file a quo warranto case against suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo before the end of July, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said on Tuesday.
A quo warranto is a special civil action used to determine if an individual has the right to hold public office.
READ: Alice Guo says sorry to Escudero: No intention to dictate on Senate
In a press conference after the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Guevarra said the OSG should have filed the case earlier, but the continuous emergence of new evidence against Gua has caused delays.
“Actually, we should have filed the petition for quo warranto earlier. However, the evidence keeps on turning up, further strengthening what we already have, so we are just incorporating the evidence that turned up during the Senate inquiry,” he said in Filipino.
“But we’re consolidating everything, and we’re hoping to file the petition for quo warranto before the end of this month,” he added.
Meanwhile, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the poll body would take steps to provide more evidence that the OSG could use.
“I am sure that our findings will contribute to the quo warranto petition that will be filed,” he said in Filipino.
“There are fingerprints in the EDCVL (Election Day Computerized Voters’ List). Her signature, fingerprints, and picture are there, and we can see those. Those will surely help the Solicitor General with whatever findings the Comelec has on the matter,” he added.
READ: Escudero on Alice Guo’s plea: Show up, follow Senate rules first
Guo is under investigation for her alleged connection with the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in Bamban.
Questions about her citizenship were also raised during a Senate inquiry after Sen. Risa Hontiveros pointed out that her birth was registered only in 2013, or 17 years after she was supposedly born in 1986.
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Guo has denied the allegations, including the possibility that she could be a Chinese asset.
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Team Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio arrives at Olympic Village | Rommel Fuertes Jr. | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:13:44 PST | Filipino boxer Nesthy Petecio joins the growing Team Philippines delegation settling inside the Olympic Village ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024. –NESTHY PETECIO INSTAGRAM
Filipino boxer Nesthy Petecio joins the growing Team Philippines delegation settling inside the Olympic Village ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024. –NESTHY PETECIO INSTAGRAM
SCHEDULE: Team Philippines at Paris Olympics 2024 (PH TIME)
MANILA, Philippines—One of Team Philippines’ boxing bets Nesthy Petecio has arrived in the Olympic Village to settle for the duration of the Paris Olympics 2024.
Petecio took to Instagram to show her new home for the next few weeks.
The Olympic Village is located north of Paris and spans the towns of Saint-Ouen, Saint-Denis, and L’Ile-Saint-Denis. It will house 14,000 athletes and officials.
Team Philippines in Paris Olympics 2024: Meet the athletes
Starting July 30, Petecio will be competing in the preliminaries of the boxing’s women’s 57kg category.
Meanwhile, Philippine fencing bet Sam Catantan said that she is set to travel to Paris on Wednesday.
“Off to Paris tomorrow! I can hardly believe I’ve made it this far. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me in my preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games,” wrote Catantan in an Instagram post.
A post shared by Sam Catantan (@samctntn)
Paris Olympics 2024: How to watch, when it starts, key dates
“I feel truly blessed to have the best support system on this journey. Lalaban para sa bayan!” she added.
Catantan’s Paris Olympics’ run will start on July 28 when she competes in the women’s foil tournament.
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Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024.
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PBA: RJ Abarrientos eager to learn from Ginebra coaches | Rommel Fuertes Jr. | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:58:44 PST | RJ Abarrientos in the Jones Cup.–SGA PHOTO
RJ Abarrientos in the Jones Cup.–SGA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—RJ Abarrientos has a lot to be excited about as a member of Barangay Ginebra and one of those reasons is to learn from the Gin Kings’ coaches led by head tactician Tim Cone.
Abarrientos, who just finished playing for Strong Group Athletics in the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taiwan, said he also can’t wait to share the court with the likes of Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo and Japeth Aguilar.
“I already want to be with my coaches, especially coach Tim Cone and coach Olsen (Racela), who was my coach in FEU before I turned pro,” said the 24-year-old Abarrientos in a video uploaded by Strong Group Athletics on Facebook.
“I’m also excited to play with players who I see like kuya Scottie (Thompson), kuya Jamie Malonzo and kuya Japeth (Aguilar). That’s how excited I am.”
Abarrientos and Ginebra assistant coach Olsen Racela go way back.
Racela was Abarrientos’ coach in his lone UAAP season with Far Eastern University in 2022 where the Tamaraws made the Final Four. Abarrientos also led the league in scoring that year at 19.2 points per game.
“I’ll be playing for the Ginebra fans and its community and it’s one of the best teams in the PBA. They’re also one of the teams I dreamed of playing for.”
Ginebra made Abarrientos’ dream come true after selecting the crafty guard third overall–a pick they got following a blockbuster trade with Terrafirma a day before the draft.
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INQToday: PNP pulled out 75 cops assigned for my security – VP Sara Duterte | INQUIRER.net | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:15:21 PST | Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains over Batanes as Typhoon Carina continues to intensify.
Eight persons were reported dead due to tropical cyclones Butchoy and Carina, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday.The NDRRMC said seven deaths have been validated while one is still for validation.
The NDRRMC said seven deaths have been validated while one is still for validation.
Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday confirmed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) pulled out all 75 members of her security group.
“I confirm that on 22 July 2024, an Order was issued by the Chief of the Philippine National Police relieving all of the 75 PNP Police and Security Group personnel that were previously assigned for my protection,” Duterte’s statement read.
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.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is not about to give in to suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s requests until she shows up in the Senate and follows its rules.
The Senate has ordered Guo’s arrest following her continued failure to face its probe into the illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Sen. Raffy Tulfo sought the suspension of the controversial PUV Modernization Program until all issues surrounding it were resolved.
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The lawmakers aired their stance during the Senate committee on public services’ hearing about the PUV Modernization Act on Tuesday, July 23.
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PUP Sta. Mesa suspends enrollment on July 24 due to Carina | Dianne Sampang | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:35:58 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) announced on Tuesday that enrollment at its Sta. Mesa campus is suspended on Wednesday, July 24 “due to inclement weather caused by typhoon #Carina and the habagat.”
In an advisory, PUP said that those who did not make it to the campus on Tuesday and Wednesday will be rescheduled to Thursday, July 25.
READ: Typhoon Carina intensifies habagat; continues to bring more rain
“Please note that enrollment schedules for the coming days will be moved forward by one day and now extended from August 3 to August 5, 2024,” it added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration in its 5 p.m. bulletin on Tuesday said that Typhoon Carina strengthened the southwest monsoon or habagat, which will bring “moderate to intense rainfall over various localities in the western portion of Luzon today through Thursday.”
READ: Things to do when living in hazardous area and rain is heavy
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DOJ, PNP probe people behind ‘fabricated’ Marcos video | Tetch Torres-Tupas | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:39:20 PST | (From left) Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres, NBI Director Jaime Santiago, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, and PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil discussing the analysis result on video allegedly that of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas/INQUIRER.net
(From left) Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres, NBI Director Jaime Santiago, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, and PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil discussing the analysis result on video allegedly that of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Investigation is ongoing to identify the people behind the spread of a video allegedly that of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres said on Tuesday.
“We cannot identify the individual or individuals that may be involved in perpetrating the fabricated and malicious video that put the President in a bad light,” Andres told reporters in a press conference.
“But definitely, we are going to the bottom of this,” he added.
The video was played during a rally abroad while Marcos was delivering his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Both the cybercrime offices of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted digital analysis of the video and concluded that the man in the video was different from that of the President.
“The PNP and NBI are working together towards this solution to this problem,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago said.
Santiago added the video is “the work of disgruntled people who underestimate the intelligence of our fellow citizens. They think very little of us Filipinos.”
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Senate approves bill on mother tongue-based learning | Charie Abarca | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:41:41 PST | The Senate building at the GSIS Complex in Pasay City. (Photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
The Senate building at the GSIS Complex in Pasay City. (Photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines – The Senate approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to discontinue the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 3.
Senate Bill No. 2457 garnered 22 affirmative, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions during the chamber’s Tuesday plenary session.
In his short manifestation after the bill was approved, Sen. Joel Villanueva thanked Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian — the sponsor of the measure — for accepting his proposed amendments to the bill.
“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa ating chairperson, Senator Win Gatchalian, sa pagtanggap ng ating mga amendments. Through language mapping, we will be able to cluster together our students in the same grade level and with a common language into “monolingual classes” to ensure that our Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education will be more effective,” said Villanueva.
(We thank our Chairperson, Senator Win Gatchalian, for accepting our amendments. Through language mapping, we will be able to cluster together our students in the same grade level and with a common language into monolingual classes to ensure that our Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education will be more effective.)
“Ang kagalingan sa wika ay nagsisimula sa paggamit ng sariling wika at nagbibigay ng matibay na pundasyon para sa pagkuha ng kaalaman, kasanayan, at kakayahan sa lahat ng iba pang larangan ng pag-aaral, kung kaya importanteng parte ng K-to-12 Curriculum ang Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education,” he added.
(Language proficiency begins with the use of one’s own language and provides a strong foundation for the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and abilities in all other areas of learning, therefore an important part of the K-to-12 Curriculum the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education.)
READ: Gatchalian alarmed most PH schools not ready for mother tongue-based learning
SBN 2457 specifically stated that the medium of instruction in schools shall revert to Filipino and until otherwise provided by law, English, pursuant to the 1987 constitution.
It likewise noted that regional languages shall serve as auxiliary media of instruction.
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