A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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As of July 27, 2024
July 27, 2024
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HEADLINES
Foreign residents surge in Japan as number of citizens drops
ABS presents industry’s first advisory on ammonia bunkering
Philippine external debt service down 19.8%
PCG hopes for peaceful WPS after Manila-Beijing deal
DA targets to eradicate ASF thru vaccination by year-end
Gary Valenciano receives Legacy Award from PeopleAsia
Moira, Maki and Ice among artists who will interpret entries at 2024 PhilPop Himig Handog
Pacquiao No. 1 in ESPN list of best Asian athletes; Hidilyn, June Mar in top 25
Here are the schedules of Philippine athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics this weekend
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Climate change causing more change in rainfall, fiercer typhoons
SINGAPORE, July 27 ------ Climate change is driving changes in rainfall patterns across the world, scientists said in a paper published, which could also be intensifying typhoons and other tropical storms.
Taiwan, the Philippines, and then China were lashed by the year’s most powerful typhoon this week, with schools, businesses, and financial markets shut as wind speeds surged up to 227 kilometers per hour (141 miles per hour). On China’s eastern coast, hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated ahead of landfall on Thursday. Stronger tropical storms are part of a wider phenomenon of weather extremes driven by higher temperatures, scientists say.
Researchers led by Zhang Wenxia at the China Academy of Sciences studied historical meteorological data and found about 75% of the world’s land area had seen a rise in “precipitation variability” or wider swings between wet and dry weather. Warming temperatures have enhanced the ability of the atmosphere to hold moisture, which is causing wider fluctuations in rainfall, the researchers said in a paper published by the Science journal. “(Variability) has increased in most places, including Australia, which means rainier rain periods and drier dry periods,” said Steven Sherwood, a scientist at the Climate Change Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, who was not involved in the study. “This is going to increase as global warming continues, enhancing the chances of droughts and/or floods.”
Scientists believe that climate change is also reshaping the behavior of tropical storms, including typhoons, making them less frequent but more powerful. “I believe higher water vapor in the atmosphere is the ultimate cause of all of these tendencies toward more extreme hydrologic phenomena,” Sherwood told Reuters. While it is difficult to attribute individual weather events to climate change, models predict that global warming makes typhoons stronger, said Sachie Kanada, a researcher at Japan’s Nagoya University. “In general, warmer sea surface temperature is a favourable condition for tropical cyclone development,” she said.
In its “blue paper” on climate change published this month, China said the number of typhoons in the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea had declined significantly since the 1990s, but they were getting stronger. Taiwan also said in its climate change report published in May that climate change was likely to reduce the overall number of typhoons in the region while making each one more intense. The decrease in the number of typhoons is due to the uneven pattern of ocean warming, with temperatures rising faster in the western Pacific than the east, said Feng Xiangbo, a tropical cyclone research scientist at the University of Reading. Water vapor capacity in the lower atmosphere is expected to rise by 7% for each 1 degree Celsius increase in temperatures, with tropical cyclone rainfall in the United States surging by as much as 40% for each single degree rise, he said.
Source: rappler.com
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Foreign residents surge in Japan as number of citizens drops
TOKYO, Japan, July 27 ------ The number of foreign nationals living in Japan has hit a record high, according to official data released, that also showed the nation’s largest-ever yearly drop in Japanese citizens. With chronically low birth rates, Japan has the world’s second-oldest population after tiny Monaco.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has introduced policies aimed at boosting births, warning the country is “on the verge of whether we can continue to function as a society.” The government has also been reviewing immigration policies to make moving to Japan more attractive to overseas workers.
As of January 1, there were 3.32 million foreign residents in the country, the figures showed. That marks a surge of 11 percent on-year and a record high since the internal affairs ministry began logging the data in 2013. Foreign nationals accounted for around 2.7 percent of Japan’s total population of 124.9 million.
Japanese media attributed the rise to the end of pandemic-era border controls, which prompted the return of international students and workers taking part in the government’s vocational training scheme. The number of Japanese citizens residing in Japan, meanwhile, stood at 121.6 million, the data showed, with 2023’s drop of 861,237 the biggest ever recorded and the 15th straight yearly decline.
Source: inquirer.net
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MARITIME NEWS
Philippines Race to Control Oil Spill as Tanker Sinks in Manila Bay
July 27 ------ Philippine officials said they are “racing against time” to prevent an environmental disaster in Manila Bay after a fuel oil tanker sank as the country was lashed by a typhoon. Sixteen crewmembers were recovered from the tanker Terra Nova after the vessel sank after midnight on July 25, but one crewmember was reported missing and the body was later recovered.
The Philippine-flagged tanker departed Bataan province on the island of Luzon north of Manila on Wednesday, July 24, bound for the southern Iloilo province loaded with 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil. As it passed near Corregidor Island near the entrance to Manila Bay around 2200 local time the vessel began to encounter what the survivors described as massive waves. The fuel tanker is described as 213 feet in length. The captain attempted to turn the vessel but they said they lost control in the heavy seas before the vessel capsized. It eventually sank approximately four miles off Lamao Point near the entrance to Manila Bay.
The Philippine Coast Guard mobilized to rescue the crew and began aerial surveys. Ten of the crewmembers were receiving first aid on the PSC vessel BRP Melchora Aquino, while two were taken to a local shore station. Four others were taken to a hospital for treatment. Additional vessels with oil containment and dispersant have also been dispatched.
An oil slick has been spotted off the point and stretching nearly two nautical miles in Manila Bay. The Coast Guard reports it is being carried east to northeast by strong currents. The danger is that the oil slick could reach Manila and it is also considered a hazard to navigation in the bay.
Coast Guard officials reported later in the day that initial surveys showed the vessel sank in relatively shallow water estimated at a depth of just over 110 feet. They believe the oil slick is coming from the vessel’s fuel and not from the cargo tanks which they believe are so far intact. Based on the depth and position the Coast Guard says a siphoning operation will not be “very technical” and they are already planning the recovery to protect Manila Bay. “The PGC sets an operational target of seven days to finish siphoning the oil from the sunken tanker to stop further spread,” Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said in a statement on the situation.
Manila and the central Philippines are being lashed by the forces of Typhoon Gaemi (locally called Carina) as the storm passed offshore. The outer bands however have produced 12 inches of rain with reports of widespread flooding and landslides. At least 20 people have been reported killed in the storm and more than 600,000 are displaced. Rescues are ongoing from flooded homes and regions. Questions were immediately raised as to why the tanker departed Bataan province. Reports indicate that no public storm warning had been raised when the vessel departed. Coast Guard officials are saying no rules or regulations were violated.
The sinking recalled a similar oil disaster in 2023 when another tanker was lost and it took the Philippines more than three months to stop the oil leaks. Coast Guard officials compared today’s situation saying it was much simpler to recover but also presents a significant environmental danger. They have not yet decided if they need to ask for international assistance.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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ABS presents industry’s first advisory on ammonia bunkering
July 27 ------ Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued the maritime industry’s first guidance focused on ammonia bunkering. Even though ammonia as an alternative marine fuel is gaining momentum across the industry, its toxicity remains a challenge for ensuring safe bunkering capabilities, whether by truck, ship, or land storage terminal. According to the classification society, the aim of the “ABS Ammonia Bunkering: Technical and Operational Advisory” is to provide the industry with a better understanding of the challenges involved with ammonia bunkering and how best to address them.
The advisory considers the aspects of bunkering ammonia as a fuel, including design, operations, risk assessment and dispersion analysis, safety procedures, and training. John McDonald, ABS President and COO, said: “ABS has been leading the development of ammonia as a marine fuel and this advisory is the next step in this process. We have built up extensive insight into the application of ammonia at sea, which we are now sharing with the industry.” McDonald noted that the advisory supports owners, operators, designers, shipyards, and ammonia suppliers including terminals and port authorities with comprehensive guidance on the latest thinking around ammonia bunkering, which presents a specific set of new challenges for the industry.
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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Maersk Line Ltd Agrees to Change Safety Reporting After Whistleblower Case
July 27 ------ After seeking to challenge a finding by the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the U.S. division, Maersk Line, Limited, has agreed to change its safety reporting policies and compensate a terminated seafarer for lost wages and damages. The settlement with the U.S. Labor Department stems from a 2020 incident where the Maersk division terminated the chief mate on one of its vessels for reporting safety concerns directly to the U.S. Coast Guard.
During a three-day hearing in June 2024, Maersk Line, Limited challenged the findings of OSHA which in 2023 ruled the company had illegally suspended and terminated the unnamed officer who was working aboard the containership Safmarine Mafadi (now the Maersk Tennessee). Built in 2007, the 61,433 dwt vessel transferred to the U.S. registry in 2019 and was renamed for Maersk in 2022.
Maersk Line, Limited, started in 1983, operates around the world to support the United States with military, government, and humanitarian missions. It participates in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) to support the U.S. government with a fleet of approximately 20 ships. The seafarer was a merchant mariner and not in the U.S. military.
According to the court documents, the chief mate said he disagreed with the captain of the containership. The chief mate then filed a report with the U.S. Coast Guard alleging safety concerns aboard the vessel. OSHA says they included concerns that lifeboat equipment was in need of repair and replacement, crew members onboard were possibly in possession of or consuming alcohol, improper supervision of cadet seamen, and a bilge system not preventing cargo holds from flooding. The complaint prompted a USCG inspection that found violations. After the USCG departed the vessel, the chief mate was immediately suspended and three months later terminated. MLL cited policies that required the mate to have first reported concerns to the Ship Superintendent, Fleet Group, and the Marine Standards team and not doing so was “in violation of written company policy.”
OSHA ruled that Maersk Line, Limited's policy and its decision to fire the chief mate violated the U.S. Seaman's Protection Act which ensures the right to contact USCG regardless of company policy. OSHA ordered MLL to reinstate the officer who had a strong track record and positive job performance before the incident. They ordered he be paid more than $450,000 in back wages with interest and $250,000 in punitive damages, but MLL filed an appeal. “This case is an important affirmation that all mariners have the option to contact the U.S. Coast Guard directly for addressing a safety concern,” said Rear Admiral and Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy for the U.S. Coast Guard Wayne Arguin. “Safety requires a team approach. The size, complexity, and importance of the marine transportation system demand that everyone work together to prevent casualties and minimize supply chain disruptions.”
After the hearing, MLL agreed to a settlement that calls for the company to change its safety reporting policies to remove any requirement that workers first notify the company of concerns. Further, the company agrees to refrain from retaliation and provide training to supervisors on the revised policy. Lawyers for the Department of Labor said the seafarer “showed the kind of bravery for which marines have long been known.” Further, they said while coping with the ocean’s natural hazards, seafarers should never fear reporting concerns about their vessel’s safety.
As part of the settlement, the former chief mate accepts the payment as sufficient consideration. The court orders the company to expunge information about the termination from the employment file and directs that a neutral employment reference be provided if requested. There is no mention of the previously directed rehiring and Maersk Line, Limited did not admit to violations of the Seaman’s Protection Act. MLL had previously argued that the ISM Code requires crewmembers to report issues up the chain of command. It further asserted that the mate had made the report in bad faith while noting that the Coast Guard had cleared the ship to sail after the inspection.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
La Niña expected to bring more rains - DOST
MANILA, July 27 ------ The La Niña phenomenon is expected to bring more rains, according to DOST Sec. Renato Solidum. At the 2024 Post-SONA discussions, Solidum assured mitigation measures are in place. "Ang una po nating ginawa ay magpatayo pa ng mas maraming doppler radar - may 19 na tayo. Twenty-five flood forecasting warning centers, at ito naman po ay binibigay ng DOST-PAGASA sa ating publiko araw-araw. And meron tayong climate forum para mas advanced na ang makuha ng ating Department of Agriculture," he said. "So importante po na talagang tutukan natin ito kasi nga ang La Niña maraming dalang ulan kaya kailangan tayo maghanda," he added.
The official reiterated that the DOST still sees La Niña to develop by August. "La Niña has a chance of developing starting August, with 70 percent chance. But the highest will be around the last quarter of the year, and this would persist the first quarter of the year," Solidum said. "Now with La Niña, as the typhoons would actually cross over the country most likely, then we should prepare for strong typhoons as well," he added.
Meanwhile, DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian said 79,000 family food packs have been distributed since last week due to Typhoon Carina. "Meron na tayong almost - since last week, nagpunta kami sa Mindanao - almost 79,000 na family food box na inilabas. And we are projecting to release close to 200,000 spread across the entire country," he shared. "Pero malaki iyong bahagi niyan ay napunta sa Mindanao area, sa BARMM area, kasi nag-coordinate kami sa Ministry of Social Services Sila iyong lead pero tayo iyong nag-augment dahil sa kakulangan minsan ng kanilang mga gamit," he added.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Philippine external debt service down 19.8%
July 27 ------ The country’s external debt service burden as of April totaled $4.64 billion, 19.79 percent lower compared to the same time last year of $5.785 billion, with fewer prepayments from the public and private sectors. The debt service burden, which represents both principal and interest payments after rescheduling, is based on fixed medium—to long-term credits, including International Monetary Fund credits, other loans, and facilities.
Based on the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data, debt service principal payments declined by 41.46 percent to $2.115 billion versus $3.613 billion during the same period in 2023. Principal external debt service is mostly fixed and revolving short-term liabilities. Interest payments, meanwhile, increased by 16.25 percent to $2.525 billion from $2.172 billion at the same time in 2023.
External debt service data is an indicator of debt sustainability. When the government or private sector prepays, these are on loans and bond redemptions or repayments. External debt sustainability refers to a country’s capacity to meet its current and future payment obligations without debt relief, extraordinary assistance, or going into default. BSP officials said that when the government and private sector make a lot of prepayments or repayments, the debt service burden increases. It declines when there are no prepayments of loans and bond redemptions or repayments.
As of the end of March, the country’s total outstanding external debt amounted to $128.692 billion, 8.3 percent higher than last year’s $118.812 billion. More government and private sector borrowings, mostly bank loans for liquidity purposes, pushed external debt higher. On a year-on-year basis, debt stock rose by $9.880 billion due mainly to total net availments worth $8.9 billion, of which $5.4 billion are borrowings by private sector entities, primarily banks. Other factors that raised external debt are the net acquisition of Philippine debt securities by non-residents of $1.5 billion and prior years’ adjustments of $1 billion.
As of end-March, public sector external debt increased by 1.4 percent, or $1.1 billion, to $78.9 billion from the previous quarter’s $77.8 billion. Its share of the total decreased to 61.3 percent from 62.1 percent a quarter ago.
About 91.6 percent, or $72.3 billion of public sector obligations are National Government borrowings, while the remaining 8.4 percent, or $6.6 billion, are borrowings by government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and the BSP. Private sector debt, on the other hand, increased by 4.7 percent or $2.2 billion to $49.8 billion as of end-March. Its share to total debt stood at 38.7 percent, up from 37.9 percent as of end-December 2023.
The debt service ratio (DSR), which relates principal and interest payments or the debt service burden to exports of goods and receipts from services and primary income, improved to 8.9 percent from 13 percent for the same period last year due to lower scheduled debt service payments in the first quarter of 2024, according to the BSP. The DSR and the gross international reserves cover for short term debt are measures of the adequacy of the country’s foreign exchange resources to meet maturing obligations.
Despite the increase in the debt stock, the external debt ratio or EDT expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product, remains at prudent levels at 29 percent from 28.7 percent in the last quarter of 2023.
Source: mb.com.ph
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DepEd to postpone opening of classes in flood-affected schools
July 27 ------ Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara announced that the opening of classes scheduled for next week in public schools will be postponed in areas heavily affected by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon (habagat). “Some schools will really have to postpone their openings kasi maraming aayusin at lilinisin,” Angara said in a statement issued to reporters.
However, he clarified that the July 29 school opening will proceed as scheduled in unaffected areas. “Pero yung wala o minimal ang damages itutuloy pa rin ang pasukan,” Angara said. Angara said he will issue a list on July 26 specifying which schools will need to postpone their openings. “I’ll be issuing a list tomorrow kung saan postponed ang pasukan (of which schools have postponed their openings) and the regional directors will also work with the principals to assess readiness for school opening,” he explained.
Earlier, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) called on Angara and President Marcos to postpone the opening of classes for School Year (SY) 2024-2025 scheduled for next week. “Many schools, if not submerged, are currently serving as evacuation centers,” TDC said. “Our communities, families, parents, children, and even individual teachers are grappling with their respective concerns in light of this calamity,” the group added. Angara, for his part, said that DepEd will consider the readiness of schools affected by the widespread flooding. “Hindi namin pipilitin yung mga nasalanta talaga at mahihirapan sa school opening ng Lunes,” he said.
As of July 24, DepEd data showed that 45 schools across eight regions reported infrastructure damage. There were also 21 schools serving as evacuation centers in Metro Manila and Region IV-A.
Source: mb.com.ph
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BSP to launch new payment streams
MANILA, Philippines, July 27 ------ The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will deploy its Request to Pay (RTP) and Direct Debit facilities this year and in 2025 to further drive digital payments adoption in the country. In a press briefing, BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan said the central bank is targeting to launch the first use-case of RTP, the RTP Cash-in Service, in the second half of this year.
The RTP Cash-In Service will allow e-money users to top up their favorite e-money accounts using any bank or other e-wallet platforms seamlessly. Meanwhile, the second use-case of RTP that a consumer can use for e-commerce would be launched next year, he said. “(Online payments) can be frustrating because if you are (shopping on) an e-commerce site and it only supports some payment service providers that unfortunately you don’t have an account in, then you couldn’t make that payment,” Tangonan said. “So we would like to make that fully interoperable through Request to Pay for e-commerce,” he said.
Based on its 2023 Report on the Status of Digital Payments in the Philippines, the share of digital payments to total retail transactions jumped to 52.8 percent last year from 42.1 percent in 2022. The BSP attributed the increase to the widespread adoption of online merchant transactions, person-to-person remittances and supplier payments made by businesses. “Supplier payments and person to business payments comprise a substantial part in the total retail payments transaction volume,” Tangonan said. “Making that more convenient and more efficient will drive more businesses to adopting digital payments.”
According to the central bank, the RTP would empower payees to initiate collections by simply sending a “request to pay” to the payer, rather than sending through an invoice. The RTP will allow businesses and consumers to have enhanced control over their outgoing payments and likewise improved visibility over their cash flow. The facility will also provide greater efficiency in carrying out person-to-business and business-to-business transactions, such as payments for goods, services, bills and utilities.
In December last year, the BSP soft-launched the InstaPay RTP cash-in service, which enabled users to fund their own accounts or e-wallets by sending a request for funds to the originating financial institution while using the digital platform of the receiving financial institution. “This initiative widened the network of cash-in services beyond the existing bilateral agreements of financial institutions, consequently increasing digital payments usage and bringing down the barriers to adoption,” the BSP said. Meanwhile, Tangonan said the BSP is working with the industry to pilot launch the Direct Debit facility this year. Technical working group discussions with prospective participants, as well as alignment of technical specifications and standards, are ongoing.
Direct Debit is an upcoming digital payment stream that allows customers to better manage their recurring payments such as monthly rentals, loan amortizations and insurance premiums by simply authorizing billers to pull funds from the account of the payors.
Source: philstar.com
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PCG hopes for peaceful WPS after Manila-Beijing deal
MANILA, July 27 ------ The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it hopes for a more peaceful and less tense situation in the West Philippine Sea after Manila and Beijing reached an agreement regarding the resupplying of Filipino troops stationed on Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal). “We expect, we are all hopeful,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said on the deal in Ayungin, a reef in the Philippine waters that has been a focus of clashes between the two sides in recent months.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier announced that it reached an "understanding with China on the provisional arrangement for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, Manila’s naval outpost grounded in Ayungin.The DFA did not provide details of the arrangement, but said both sides recognized the need to “de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation.” “We consider this as a positive development na magkaroon ng mapayapa, maayos, hindi tensyonadong West Philippine Sea as a result of the talk between the Philippines’ DFA and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Tarriela said, which also echoed the earlier statement of the Philippines’ allied countries.
The PCG official also reiterated that the recent dialogue will not prejudice the country’s rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. “Hindi natin isinuko ang ating laban sa West Philippine Sea. Atin pa ring tinitindigan ang ating sovereignty, sovereign rights and our jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said. Tarriela said he still has no information on how the government will conduct the rotational and resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal.
Despite the agreement, Tarriela said Chinese ships continue tjeir presence in the Philippine waters. China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, dubbed “The Monster,” remains at Escoda Shoal, anchored at 0.57 nautical miles from PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua, as of Tuesday morning. Two other CCG ships with hull numbers 3015 and 3301 passed about 40 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan. “That is something na we have yet to discuss within the national task force. But again our objective is pahupain ang tensyon. With regard to the presence ng Chinese Coast Guard, we are still monitoring them, we still publicize them,” Tarriela said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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After Japan, Philippines eyes defense pacts with Canada, NZ, France
MANILA, Philippines, July 27 ------ The Philippines aims to seek more reciprocal access agreements (RAA) with nations that have similar defense interests, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said. The RAA signed with Japan on July 8 will “not be the last,” Teodoro said in an interview on ANC ahead ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's State of the Nation Address.
The defense chief said the Philippines is looking at having a similar deal with Canada, New Zealand and France, countries that expressed support to the Philippines during the aggression of Chinese maritime elements in the West Philippine Sea. Reciprocal access agreements are security pacts between two countries that agree to move their military forces between their sovereignties as needed for training and operations. The Philipines' RAA with Japan, the first involving a Southeast Asian nation, is yet to be ratified in Congress.
The agreements would enhance interoperability, enabling the armed forces of the “like-minded countries” to operate within Philippine territory and allowing Philippine military personnel to do the same in those countries, Teodoro said. The RAA signed with Japan in the second week of July stipulates that the armed forces of Japan and the Philippines can deploy to each other’s territories for joint drills. “It is close to the apex of a defensive alliance, but not atop of the mutual defense treaty,” Teodoro said.
This development comes a day after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the Philippines and China had agreed on resupply mission protocols in the West Philippine Sea. The defense chief said the DFA has not yet provided the DND with the specifics of the agreement. He emphasized, however, that the Philippines remains committed to protecting its rights and sovereignty within its exclusive economic zone. “We cannot be deterred from doing what we need to do in order to build up our credible defense posture which includes our alliances with like-minded nations for the upholding of a rules-based international order,” he said.
The access agreement with France, New Zealand and Canada is expected to be signed next year. Aside from Japan, the Philippines also has a bilateral visiting forces agreement with the United States since 1999 and with Australia since 2012.
Source: philstar.com
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DA targets to eradicate ASF thru vaccination by year-end
July 27 ------ With the help of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccines, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing to eradicate the spread of the fatal disease that affects hog industry in the country.
During the post-SONA discussions on Thursday, July 23, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said that the agriculture department is targeting to inoculate first the areas that have been identified as red and yellow zones. “Iyong ASF vaccine which was recently approved na once we have ASF vaccine which has recently approved ay baka ibi-bid out na ng DA ito this August at hopefully by September ma-implement na. Titirahin natin at babakunahan natin iyong mga red areas or red zones and yellow zones and hopefully to eradicate this for the pig growers,” he said. “With that, we are hopeful na ma-solve na unti-unti iyong issue sa ASF at hopefully by the end of [the] year, halos wala na sana ito,” he added.
Areas identified as red zones are high risk or currently experiencing an outbreak of a specific agricultural disease, such as ASF. Meanwhile, yellow zones are areas considered at moderate risk or are under surveillance for potential outbreaks. ASF, according to Laurel, is a “big problem” of the pork industry and must be eradicated to improve the country’s agricultural production.
Recently, DA spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, said ASF vaccines may be available for commercial use this year. “Kasi kailangan masigurado nang husto ng FDA at BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) ‘yung efficacy at ‘yung lahat ng test na gagawin nila rito. Target is within the year,” he said.
The BAI has allotted P350 million for the procurement of ASF vaccines, the DA spokesperson stated. Laurel had earlier announced that the FDA granted approval for government use of the vaccine for six months. He said the controlled use of the ASF vaccine may be rolled out by September. The DA chief noted that the ASF from Vietnam “really works.” “So, that solves our problem,” he went on.
During a town hall meeting in Occidental Mindoro in April, President Marcos said that the ASF vaccines would be obtained from Vietnam. ASF, a highly contagious and deadly swine disease, has been devastating swine industries around the world since its resurgence in 2018. In 2019, ASF resurfaced in the Philippines and has since spread across more than 3,800 barangays in 53 provinces by July 2022. Due to ASF, local pork production in the Philippines fell by almost a fourth from June to October 2021 against the comparative period in 2020.
Source: mb.com.ph
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Meralco issues safety tips amid widespread flooding in Metro Manila
MANILA, July 27 ------ Meralco said around 23,000 of its customers in Metro Manila and parts Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan and Quezon are are affected by service interruptions amid heavy rains and flooding.
The power distributor said it continues to work round the clock to restore power in areas affected by Typhoon Carina. “Rest assured that we are closely monitoring the situation and our crews are working non-stop to restore service as soon as possible. We urge everyone to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions during this time," said Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga.
The company meanwhile gave the following safety tips:
• Ensure that the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is off. Be sure to be dry when being in contact with any electrical facility.
• Unplug appliances from wall sockets. Turn off permanently connected equipment and unscrew all light bulbs if possible.
• Remove mud and dirt from service equipment or main circuit breaker/fuse and its enclosure using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes.
• Make sure that all electrical wires, connectors, and other wiring devices are completely dry.
• When all electrical wires and accessories have dried and are clean, the wiring system of all appliances must be checked by a licensed electrician. Do not turn on flood-damaged electrical appliances.
“We are also closely monitoring the flooded areas. Our teams will immediately be deployed to restore power service once floods subside in the affected areas,” Zaldarriaga concluded. The company advised customers to report power outages and other concerns through Meralco's official social media pages on Facebook-- www.facebook.com/meralco and X (formerly Twitter) @meralco. "They may also text their concerns to 0920- 9716211 and 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211 and 8631-1111," the company said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Gary Valenciano receives Legacy Award from PeopleAsia
July 27 ------ Kapamilya singer and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano received the Legacy Award. This is the first time 'Men Who Matter' gave such award to an entertainment icon. With a career spanning four decades, Valenciano was recognized for his three-night sold out 40th anniversary concert.
In his speech, Valenciano said that was his last major solo concert on an arena or big venue. As a treat, Valenciano rendered three songs one of which was a medley of Stevie Wonder hits.
Aside from Valenciano, ten outstanding men were recognized for their outstanding performance and contribution from their respective fields - Box Office actor Dingdong Dantes, PAGCOR Chairman Al Tengco, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Toff de Venecia, Chef Sau del Rosario, Conrad Manila's Fabio Berto, Potato Corner COO Joey Alvero, Talent Manager Jojie Dingcong, Opulence Design Concept owner Gerry Sy, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Managing director of Bellevue Resorts Patrick Chan and CEO of Citi Paul Favila.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Gloc-9 reveals Francis Magalona lent him money for his nursing studies
July 27 ------ Gloc-9 looked back on his close relationship with the late Francis Magalona, sharing that Master Rapper even lent him money to sustain his nursing education back then. In a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview, Gloc-9 opened up about his friendship with Magalona and Andrew E, when asked about his relationship with fellow rappers in the industry. “Noong wala akong tuition fee pang-nursing, kinakapalan ko mukha ko. Sabi ko, ‘Sir Kiks, pwede ba akong mangutang sa’yo?’ Sasabihin niya sa’kin, ‘Daan ka dito sa ‘Eat Bulaga,’ bigyan kita ng pera pang tuition mo,’” Gloc-9 recalled, referring to Magalona using his nickname.
The “Sirena” hitmaker pointed out that Magalona had “no strings attached,” and he made it a point to return the money to not break the late rapper’s trust. “Walang strings attached. Siya ang nagsabi nito. ‘Ang pera kinikita. Ang kaibigan, mahirap.’ I made it a point na ibalik ‘yun,” he said.
Another cherished moment that Gloc-9 had with Magalona is when he asked the latter to be the godfather of his twin children. “Si Sir Kiks ay ibang level. Ninong siya ng aking mga kambal… There was one time noong inimbitahan ko siya sa binyag tapos meron siyang lunch with his family and [kumain sila] malapit d’un sa binyag para maka-attend,” he said. Despite their friendship, Gloc-9 would always consider himself as Magalona’s “number one” fan, and grateful for the chance to be friends with the “Kaleidoscope World” singer as well. “Nahihiya pa rin ako minsan kay Sir Kiks pero kapag nagtetext kami, ang tawag niya sa’kin, anak. Ako’y fan, parang understatement pa nga ang number one fan. Pero ang isang tagahanga ay magkaroon ng relasyon sa kanyang iniidolo ay isang sobrang tagumpay para sa’kin,” he said. On the other hand, Gloc-9 said he is good friends with Andrew E as well, and he would sometimes visit the latter at his home.
Source: inquirer.net
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Moira, Maki and Ice among artists who will interpret entries at 2024 PhilPop Himig Handog
July 27 ------ Another set of up-and-coming songwriters is geared up for the highly anticipated PhilPop Himig Handog 2024 songwriting competition. During the grand media conference held at Restaurant 9501 at the ABS-CBN building, the 12 finalists and the artists who will interpret their songs were presented. Among the artists are Moira, Maki, P-pop group VXON, and OPM icon Ice Seguerra. This year, the two music organizations, PhilPop and Himig Handog, have curated these 12 finalists that capture the true essence of OPM.
PhilPop and Himig Handog will make history by discovering a new generation of songwriters with their creative lyrics and tunes. Jonathan Manalo, Creative Director of ABS-CBN Music, mentioned that the composers found it challenging since the songs will undergo a rigorous process from both PhilPop and Himig Handog groups. "Mas mahirap yung pinagdaanan ng composers kasi dalawang screening processes yung ginawa. So, ini-screen siya ng PhilPop and ini-screen din siya ng Himig Handog, pero ang nadiscover namin sa process na ito kahit mag-kakaiiba yung taste namin, we can all agree on a good song. So, nagulat kami nung nag-tally kami kasi pare-pareho lang yung gusto namin," Jonathan said.
The artists who will interpret the songs said they are excited to work again with such talented composers. "Mas madali akong napa-oo for this song, kasi when I heard the song kasama ko yung wife si Liza. And when we heard the lyrics sabi ko sa kanya, ''Love parang dinedescribe ka", kaya sabi ko game ko ako," Ice said.
Philpop Himig Handog is an initiative of the Philpop Musicfest Foundation and Himig Handog. It began with a mentorship program including workshops and songwriting sessions for budding Filipino composers nationwide. The winners will receive cash prizes of PHP 1,000,000 (first place), PHP 500,000 (second place), and PHP 200,000 (third place).
Source: mb.com.ph
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SPORTS NEWS
Pacquiao No. 1 in ESPN list of best Asian athletes; Hidilyn, June Mar in top 25
July 27 ------ EXACTLY a week after listing Manny Pacquiao at No. 71 among the top 100 professional athletes since 2000, ESPN ranked 'Pacman' the top Asian athlete of the 21st century. Boxing's only eight-division world champion was first in line in an illustrious roll call that also includes basketball's Yao Ming and baseball's Ichiro Suzuki. ESPN furthered its ranking by saying "'PacMan' is arguably one of the greatest boxers of all time.'"
Last week, the media organization published its list of the greatest sporting icons of this milennium, topped by 28-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps who was then followed by Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, LeBron James, and Tom Brady. Pacquiao, however, was placed 71st by over 70,000 votes from ESPN contributors, sandwiched between footballer Andrés Iniesta and snowboarder Shaun White. He was one of three boxers in the top 100, a distant second from Floyd Mayweather (25) and close to Bernard Hopkins (78).
A week later, ESPN zoned in on Asia, and recognized the Philippines' pride as the best of the best to come from the continent since 2000. Three Filipinos actually made it to the top 25 Asian athletes of the 21st century. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines first and thus far only Olympic gold medalist, stands at No. 19. "Diaz's historic achievement and her role in elevating weightlifting in the Philippines are testaments to her exceptional talent and determination," explained ESPN.
Meanwhile, the PBA's 10-time champion and seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo also made the cut at 25th. "Fajardo's consistent excellence and influence on Philippine basketball underscore his significant impact on the sport that Filipinos love," detailed the media organization.
Source: spin.ph
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Here are the schedules of Philippine athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics this weekend
MANILA, July 27 ------ The Philippines’ 22-man strong delegation in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games are set to embark on a historic journey as the country celebrates its 100th year of joining the quadrennial games. The Filipino Olympians will be competing in some of the Games’ events namely athletics, boxing, fencing, golf, gymnastics, judo, rowing, swimming, and weightlifting, and with them are the nation’s hope of not only surpassing the Tokyo 2021 medal haul but also bringing home another Olympic gold medal.
And to give support to our bets in Paris, know the schedules of their games in the 2024 Olympics (all in Philippine time):
BOXING:
Eumir Marcial (men’s 80kg)
Round of 32 — Saturday, July 27 - 11:38 PM
Round of 32 — Sunday, July 28 - 4:08 AM
Aira Villegas (women’s 50kg)
Round of 32 — Sunday, July 28 - 6:36 PM
Round of 32 — Sunday, July 28 - 10:50 PM
Carlo Paalam (men’s 57kg)
Round of 32 — Sunday, July 28 - 5:16 PM
Round of 32 — Sunday, July 28 - 9:30 PM
FENCING:
Sam Catantan (women’s individual foil)
Table of 64 — Sunday, July 28 - 3:30 PM
Table of 32 — Sunday, July 28 - 4:25 PM
Table of 16 — Sunday, July 28 - 8:05 PM
Quarterfinals — Sunday, July 28 - 9:55 PM
GYMNASTICS:
Carlos Yulo (men’s artistic gymnastics)
All-around qualifications — Saturday, July 27 - 9:30 PM
Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, Levi Jung-Ruivivar (women’s artistic gymnastics)
All-around qualifications — Sunday, July 28 - 8:50 PM
ROWING:
Joanie Delgaco (women’s single sculls)
Heats — Saturday, July 27 - 4:12 PM
Repechage — Sunday, July 28 - 3 PM
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Strong Group vows to complement Gilas efforts following Jones Cup triumph
July 27 ------ Strong Group-Pilipinas emerged victorious in a dramatic overtime showdown against host Chinese-Taipei A, securing an 83-79 win in what was a ‘virtual championship’ match for the 43rd William Jones Cup last Sunday. Strong Group displayed resilience in a game marked by a raucous crowd, contentious calls, and a challenging fourth-quarter deficit.
The team fought back from the brink, forcing overtime and eventually overcoming the hosts to claim the coveted international title. The triumph marked a significant milestone for Strong Group Athletics, whose chairman Frank Lao expressed his heartfelt sentiments after the game. “We started Strong Group with a dream – to prove that the Filipino athlete can shine on the international stage. This victory is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence, done for the pride of our nation,” Lao said. “It is always an honor for me to represent the country in any way, and that was the mantra of the team throughout the tournament. We wanted to give glory to our country. And aside from that, I really wanted to win a championship for Boss Frank and Jacob (Lao). They’ve trusted me a lot, and I wanted to deliver for them,” Tiu remarked.
The game saw standout performances from several players. Kiefer Ravena delivered a crucial three-pointer with just 13 seconds left in regulation to give Strong Group a 73-71 lead. Tiu praised Ravena’s clutch play, stating, “Kiefer showed once again what he is made of. There are times when I really wanted to strangle him in the games, but when it is crunch time or winning time, there’s no one I trust more to make big plays, and he delivered in our biggest games against Ukraine and in our championship game.”
RJ Abarrientos also played a pivotal role, consistently contributing throughout the tournament with averages of 9.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.3 rebounds. Tiu noted, “RJ Abarrientos was phenomenal. It was my first time working with him, and he is such a great player. When we drew up a play for him in the first play of overtime and he hit the corner three off the glass, I thought that this might be our game after all.”
Jordan Heading, the sole remnant from Strong Group’s Dubai International Basketball Championship team, also made significant contributions. “Jordan Heading was closely guarded, and we couldn’t get him any looks. I really wanted him to shoot those free throws, and I trusted that he would knock them down. He went up to me after and said he wasn’t going to miss again after that Dubai game,” Tiu shared.
Looking ahead, Strong Group is already planning its 2025 calendar, which is expected to include another shot at redemption in Dubai and a defense of their Jones Cup title. Jacob Lao, President of Strong Group, emphasized that recent success was only the beginning. “This victory is just the beginning. Besides our teams, we will continue to support the SBP and Gilas Pilipinas. We want our program to complement the national team’s efforts and offer help in any way we can,” the young sports executive said.
Source: tiebreakertimes.com.ph
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