Philippines News

The government may resort to “outright confrontation” in dealing with prosecutors from the International Criminal Court who might insist on entering the country to investigate thousands of extrajudicial killings allegedly committed by security forces in the conduct of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, a ranking justice official said yesterday.

Former Department of Health secretary and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin will seek a reinvestigation on the graft and technical malversation charges filed against her and four other former and incumbent officials in connection with the agency’s Dengvaxia vaccination program during the Aquino administration.

 

NEW DELHI, 22nd July, 2023 (WAM) - The UAE is committed to playing an active role in the international efforts to shape a better future for societies and people around the world through creating job opportunities and enhancing human resources' contribution to a sustainable development cycle, Dr. Abd

It is not only content creators who use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write compelling material. Government offices and officials have also been known to use AI to write their speeches.

The first to come out with a confession was United States Democratic Representative for Massachusetts, Jake Auchinclos, on January 26, 2023. He became the first member of the US Congress to deliver an AI-written speech before the House of Representatives. A CNN report said Auchinclos’s speech was, aptly enough, in support of a measure to establish a joint AI research center to be run by the US and Israel.

Auchinclos’s speech written by ChatGPT, a text-based artificial intelligence, sounded direct, straightforward, and without emotion. It was based on the prompt fed to ChatGPT: “You are Jake Auchincloss, a Member of Congress. Write 100 words to deliver on the floor of the House of Representatives. Topic: the importance of the United States–Israel Artificial Intelligence Center Act, which the congressman will re-introduce this term.”

His speech stated that the proposed legislation “will cement a mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Israel on artificial intelligence research” and how the collaboration will “ensure that the United States maintains a leadership role in AI research and development...” All sounds good but boring because ChatGPT’s response depends on the question or the prompt.

Auchinclos, in the CNN interview, also spoke of how AI can potentially be harmful and that there is a need to “counteract any kind of dystopian future.” He pushed for more players and said the technology should be made available to universities, non-profit organizations, small companies and public officials “so everybody can have a hand in shaping it, and it works for everybody.” The AI “is a tool, not a master,” and should amplify human creativity and productivity, “not allow it to create economic or social conditions that years from now we will try to change.”

The US legislator may not be the only public official to deliver an AI-written speech, but he was the first to admit it. It is tempting to think how the next government speech is factual and not made up since ChatGPT is a tool that responds based on the question it is fed and the data it can access.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his second State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives on Monday, July 24, 2023. He promised that his speech will be a “very simple” performance report to Filipinos.

I don’t think his speechwriters will use ChatGPT as the text-based technology has limitations. If they do use the tool, they have to be transparent and have to acknowledge that it was written with the help of AI, as Auchinclos did after his speech, and that the report does not veer away from the truth.

There are ways to check if something was written by AI.

It is not only content creators who use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write compelling material. Government offices and officials have also been known to use AI to write their speeches.

The first to come out with a confession was United States Democratic Representative for Massachusetts, Jake Auchinclos, on January 26, 2023. He became the first member of the US Congress to deliver an AI-written speech before the House of Representatives. A CNN report said Auchinclos’s speech was, aptly enough, in support of a measure to establish a joint AI research center to be run by the US and Israel.

Auchinclos’s speech written by ChatGPT, a text-based artificial intelligence, sounded direct, straightforward, and without emotion. It was based on the prompt fed to ChatGPT: “You are Jake Auchincloss, a Member of Congress. Write 100 words to deliver on the floor of the House of Representatives. Topic: the importance of the United States–Israel Artificial Intelligence Center Act, which the congressman will re-introduce this term.”

His speech stated that the proposed legislation “will cement a mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Israel on artificial intelligence research” and how the collaboration will “ensure that the United States maintains a leadership role in AI research and development...” All sounds good but boring because ChatGPT’s response depends on the question or the prompt.

Auchinclos, in the CNN interview, also spoke of how AI can potentially be harmful and that there is a need to “counteract any kind of dystopian future.” He pushed for more players and said the technology should be made available to universities, non-profit organizations, small companies and public officials “so everybody can have a hand in shaping it, and it works for everybody.” The AI “is a tool, not a master,” and should amplify human creativity and productivity, “not allow it to create economic or social conditions that years from now we will try to change.”

The US legislator may not be the only public official to deliver an AI-written speech, but he was the first to admit it. It is tempting to think how the next government speech is factual and not made up since ChatGPT is a tool that responds based on the question it is fed and the data it can access.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his second State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives on Monday, July 24, 2023. He promised that his speech will be a “very simple” performance report to Filipinos.

I don’t think his speechwriters will use ChatGPT as the text-based technology has limitations. If they do use the tool, they have to be transparent and have to acknowledge that it was written with the help of AI, as Auchinclos did after his speech, and that the report does not veer away from the truth.

There are ways to check if something was written by AI.

THE chairman of the Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno (AMA Sugbo-KMU) has reminded the state and employers that everyone has the right to create or join a labor union, based on the “Freedom of Association” provided in the Constitution.

Jaime Paglinawan, during the “Dole (Department of Labor and Employment) 7 Talks” program on Friday, July 21, said the provision allows employees, through a legal representation, to voice out and call upon their employers to address their concerns over wages, benefits, and other terms, and negotiate.

Only 47 unions

“Based on our monitoring, even though our data was still in 2019 but it is still close to reality, we have only 47 registered labor unions, of which a few of them have a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in Central Visayas,” Paglinawan said.

CBA is a contract in which working people, through their unions, can negotiate with their employers in terms of employment, pay, benefits, hours, leave, job policies and many more.

He added that aside from issues with their employers, red-tagging and harassment from state forces also factor in as to why only a few labor unions exist in the region.

AMA Sugbo-KMU had pleaded anew to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 7 to hasten the investigation on these incidents.

Death threats

It and other progressive groups filed an inquiry on Monday, July 17, seeking an update on the investigation from a complaint they filed two years ago regarding red-tagging and death threats against union leaders, among others.

Paglinawan said in a press statement on Monday that since the first submission of the complaint on Jan. 17, 2021, the case has not been resolved. Instead, the alleged incidents of harassment have only worsened, he said.

On June 29, Renato Gimenez, a former unionist, said he was harassed by a man claiming to be an intelligence officer. Casmero Mahilum, also a former unionist, said he had a similar experience. According to Mahilum, he was followed and pressured to become an informant.

Paglinawan said both incidents could be considered harassment and intimidation against labor leaders who advocate for workers’ rights, pointing out that both Gimenez and Mahilum were active in defending their coworkers’ rights against unfair labor practices of their employer.

He said that although the CHR 7 has responded to their inquiry and claimed that the office is taking action, it did not specify what actions have been taken.

The labor group condemned the death threats and red-tagging they received from state officials, which should be defending workers’ rights, and called on the CHR 7 and other agencies to put an end to this alarming practice. (EHP, AML)

@ALEX: I read your article last week about the differences between relationships, and I wanted to share a personal situation my girlfriend and I are facing. We’ve been together for three years now, both in our thirties and with stable careers. As we’ve grown closer, we’ve reached a point where we are seriously considering marriage. However, there’s one significant challenge we’re struggling to resolve — we come from different religious backgrounds. While I won’t specify which ones, both of our families are deeply committed to their respective faiths, making it near impossible for anyone to compromise. Even in the venue of the marriage rites or which religion our children should adopt. Neither of us is giving in. It doesn’t help that whenever we consult elders, they would suggest one of us should convert to the other’s religion. I admire your reasonableness and the support you’ve provided as a virtual friend to many. Your insights could be valuable as we navigate this complex situation.

DJ: I greatly understand how religion unifies and strengthens a relationship. What saddens me is how it can also tear relationships apart. Opposite attracts but I’m glad you’re not putting a sock over your religious differences. Good job! Both of you are working through issues instead of rushing into decisions just for the sake of becoming mister and misses which can lead to regrets later on. Have you considered premarital counseling? Your elders have spoken. Seeking guidance from a neutral party can help facilitate conversations about important topics.

What made you say that you’re both standing your ground? Is there mutual respect? Sure, you grew up with different perspectives but neither belief system is inherently right or wrong. That’s just my opinion. How open are you for a religious mashup? If it’s a Venn diagram, focus more on where the overlaps are. I do know of certain denominations that hold a savage commitment to their faith. If you and your girlfriend fall in these types of groups, it looks like it’s going to be an uphill climb.

You mentioned your individual beliefs hold a fundamental place in each other’s lives. Thus, neither of you should cancel the other’s conviction. I was born and raised as a Catholic. But my upbringing took place in a culturally rich and religiously diverse environment. Early on, my parents taught me openness about different practices. Stereotyping often is but a result of lack of knowledge. And through time, I’ve seen how faith guides us in our individual journey. Pretty much like a GPS. Somehow, we still end up at the same destination. Can both of you support this vibe when it comes to raising your own kids? Are you cool about exposing them to both religions, freely exploring their beliefs?

If your families are deeply committed to their respective faiths, I hope you have open-minded friends. If there will be barriers, it helps to have people who can serve as translators. By now it’s clear I’m an advocate of inclusion. Given how complex our world has become, there’s a greater call to foster a sense of belonging particularly if you’re with the majority, to create a space where anyone can feel accepted and valued. Besides, welcoming people into our lives without judgement is part of loving and love is a core teaching to many religions.

Perhaps, this is you and your partner’s calling. Part of Cupid’s target. Love’s tag team. Think about it. Are you glowing up at honoring each other’s belief? If things are like looking for a needle in a haystack, do you still laugh while you’re searching? Even if faith has been a foremost part of you and your partner’s life, you can still slay the relationship. It’s like you prefer sunrise, she likes sunset and you have the whole day covered. A lifetime of disagreements, though, can be devastating. Heads up. It’s still ultimately up to you and her.

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 has delivered President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate to the agency during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) a year ago, particularly on expanding programs on emergency response.

According to DSWD 7 Director Shalaine Lucero on Saturday, July 22, 2023, they’ve already prepositioned goods in different local government units (LGUs) in the region.

In his speech during his first Sona on July 25, 2022, Marcos ordered the agency to lead the initiative in assisting calamity victims.

Lucero said prepositioning goods was not previously possible after former president Rodrigo Duterte suspended the practice due to the alleged illegal distribution of relief items by erring politicians.

Lucero said it was during the time of former DSWD secretary Erwin Tulfo when they started prepositioning goods in different areas, focusing on placing more family food packs in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (Gidas).

Marcos had named Tulfo to head the DSWD, but the former broadcaster stepped down in December 2022 after the Commission on Appointments bypassed his appointment twice.

Tulfo was replaced by Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Rex Gatchalian last Jan. 31.

Stockpile

Lucero said they have considerably raised the stockpile of relief goods to provide sufficient food packs to families affected by typhoons, floods and other disasters.

She said they have prepositioned 46,000 food packs in 57 of the 132 LGUs in Central Visayas, adding that they took into account the archipelagic setting of the region to explain how they came up with the numbers.

She said LGUs are supposed to share prepositioned food packs with nearby areas that also need them.

Aside from prepositioned goods, Lucero said they also have food packs on standby that are easily accessible when disasters strike.

Lucero said the region needs at least 50,000 food packs, but they have around 60,000 on standby at all times.

She assured that if there is a need to respond to a disaster, the agency can immediately attend to the call, saying that “if there is an LGU that needs help, we are ready to respond swiftly.”

She also identified the cities of Canlaon and Guihulngan, both in Negros Oriental, as Gidas due to the threat of Mt. Canlaon and the ongoing skirmishes between the military and rebels, respectively.

Warehouses

She said they have warehouses in Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental, which are manned by well-trained supervisors to manage the appropriation of goods to avoid spoilage.

Lucero said they also make sure goods that are given to calamity victims are fit for human consumption.

She said boxes containing food packs are printed with the expiry date.

The director added that the rice they use is of good quality, and can last up to a year in storage.

To make sure that food packs don’t go to waste, the LGUs can distribute them as part of their food-for-work program three months before their expiry date.

According to Lucero, an average food pack usually contains six kilos of rice, eight sachets of coffee, eight packs of instant noodles, three cans of sardines and three cans of corned beef, and is worth around P550.

She said a food pack can sustain a family of five for two days.

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) 7 has submitted a list of achievements one year since the agency was ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help enable the public and private sectors to achieve their mandates using technology.

DICT 7 Director Frederick Amores said their core focus is to improve infrastructure and awareness, and strengthen economic industry and opportunity while being a world-class service provider.

Satellite communication

He said they tapped the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor for capacity and capability building activities and training, and set up very small aperture terminals (VSATs), which enable satellite communications and data transfer from and to everywhere around the world; deployed satellite phones; and introduced an IP radio system and basic networking; among others, at local government units (LGUs).

He said they’ve been working with LGUs to help them prepare for faster communication accessibility during disasters.

He said 10 percent of the LGUs in the region already have VSATs.

He said the agency’s ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau, which is tasked to capacitate the public with ICT literacy, has been implementing programs and conducting trainings to equip individuals with the necessary information and skills for ICT competency, particularly on managing Bitcoins and cryptocurrencies through Bitskwela.

Business permit licensing

He said they also developed the Integrated Business Permit Licensing System (iBPLS), an online application that helps LGUs expedite the processing and issuance of business permits, building permits, certificates of occupancy and barangay clearances.

He said one of the main goals of Marcos’ administration is the digitalization of the bureaucracy.

“The DICT has developed a system [iBPLS] for them to use, free of cost,” he said.

As of now, 41 of 132 LGUs in the region have adopted the system, he said.

“Local governments have the option to either make their own just like what Cebu City did. The most important is they are able to deliver their services digitally,” Amores said.

As part of the National Broadband Plan, DICT 7 has connected 81 agencies in Cebu to the government network, providing high-speed broadband connection.

Other achievements:

Installed 137 free wifi in the region;

Connected with several government agencies to train cyber warriors to provide cybersecurity;

Showcased start-ups, business process outsourcing and ICT development in the countryside; and

Partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology for a start-up program.

“DICT is relatively a small department compared to other offices. We have to leverage what we have. We can move by partnering with other organizations, local governments, other government agencies in growing up our programs... So I think the mindset should be collaboration, the national government collaborating with the local government, other agencies, private organizations. We have so many examples here of collaborations with the private sector to achieve common goals,” Amores said. (Claudine Flores, CNU Intern)

IN A bid to address the worsening traffic congestion, the Cebu City Government has launched a comprehensive Road Recovery Program, along with several road widening and opening projects.

The Road Recovery Program, spearheaded by the city’s Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), focuses on rehabilitating and improving existing roads to ensure smoother traffic flow, said Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo during SunStar’s online program “Beyond the Headlines” on Monday, July 17, 2023.

The program includes repairing potholes, resurfacing damaged roads and improving road markings and signage for better visibility.

The City has also identified the urgent need for diversion roads to divert traffic away from heavily congested areas.

Guardo said one of the major projects under the Road Recovery Program is the construction of diversion roads, which will provide motorists with alternative routes.

He added that the DPWH is working closely with urban planners and engineers to identify suitable locations for these diversion roads, ensuring they effectively alleviate traffic congestion.

Simultaneously, the City has initiated road widening projects to accommodate the growing number of vehicles.

Guardo said widening existing roads will not only increase their capacity but also enhance safety by providing additional lanes for motorists. To ensure the success of these projects, the local government has allocated funds for road infrastructure development.

The funds will be utilized for road repairs, widening and the construction of diversion roads, said Guardo. (Juralyn Beso Baldomaro NWSSU intern)

Fashion has long been associated with glamour, luxury and excess. However, there has been an increasing trend toward sustainable fashion in recent years. Claudia Bezza-Yeung’s Santorini Cruise Collection launched in May is a perfect example of how fashion can be both stylish and environmentally friendly.

The collection showcased on a runway at the Kandaya Resort in Daanbantayan, Cebu was a breath of fresh air in the world of fashion. Inspired by the picturesque island of Santorini, her designs exude elegance, sophistication, and a touch of Mediterranean charm. Bezza-Yeung’s designs were not only stunning but also made from sustainable materials. From organic cotton to recycled fabrics, every piece in the collection had an eco-friendly touch.

The color palette chosen for this collection is worth noting. Soft pastels, such as pale blues and pinks, are juxtaposed with bold pops of color like romantic pinks and vibrant yellows. This combination creates a visually striking contrast that adds depth and interest to each look.

What set this debut apart was not just the attention to detail but also the use of sustainable materials in terms of production practices. Bezza-Yeung ensured that her garments were ethically made, with fair wages and safe working conditions for all involved. This commitment to sustainability extended beyond just the clothes themselves; even the packaging was eco-friendly, using recycled materials and minimal waste.

In addition to being environmentally conscious, Claudia’s designs were also versatile and timeless. The pieces could easily transition from day to night or from beachwear to evening wear. This versatility is essential in promoting sustainability as it encourages consumers to invest in pieces that can be worn for years rather than discarded after one season.

“The collection, as with all our pieces, is made from discarded fabric that we source from China and Dubai,” shared designer Claudia Bezza Yeung. “The fabrics for this collection were acquired at different times, and were kept in storage since the pandemic, and it was only recently that they all came together with this vision: Santorini!”

Overall, Claudia Bezza-yeung’s Santorini Cruise Collection Seaside Debut was a testament to how fashion can embrace sustainability without compromising on style or quality. By using eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices while creating beautiful designs that stand the test of time, Bezza-Yeung has set a new standard for the fashion industry. It is a reminder that fashion can be both glamorous and sustainable, and that we all have a role to play in making the industry more environmentally friendly.

AT LEAST 39 indigent students of the University of the Philippines Cebu High School (UPHS) will get free housing on campus soon.

Angat Buhay Foundation chairperson and the former vice president of the Philippines Leni Robredo led the ground breaking for the single-story female dormitory on Friday, July 21, 2023.

The foundation’s dormitory, the first of its kind in Cebu, will provide shelter to 39 UPHS indigent students and one house parent for free. The construction is expected to be finished in four to six months.

“Our dream is that this dormitory will help indigent students. Even though tuition is free, it would still be difficult if they had nowhere else to live,” said Robredo.

She disclosed that the beneficiary students will be chosen by the university’s high school department.

“So this is going to be a free dormitory for indigent students. Ang pipili po nito ay ang high school department. Ang pakiusap lang natin ay ang the most in need,” added Robredo. (The high school department will choose the beneficiaries and our only request is that the most in need will be included.)

The project’s construction will be funded by the foundation’s partner organization, such as the Australian Embassy, said Barry Codera, program manager for education of Angat Buhay.

Robredo said once the project is completed, she will look for other private partners who will help provide the needed equipment and furniture.

“When we inaugurate the dorm, we will also meet our other private partners who would help in setting up the dorm itself. Partners giving gadgets, the furnishings, and giving the kitchen equipment that is needed for the dorm,” she said.

Robredo also stressed the need to establish more dorms in other parts of the country in order to allow students who live in remote locations to attend school and lower the dropout rate in the Philippines.

The project has been suggested by Cebu Vice Gov. Hilario “Junjun” Davide III after noticing that many UPHS students are not from Cebu City.

“I know that UP is a public school and there are many students here who are not residents of Cebu so they need a place to stay here,” said Davide.

Other dormitories are set to be constructed in Calabangga town in Camarines Sur, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, a high school in Pontevedra in Capiz, and in Sorsogon, which are also in partnership with the Australian Embassy. (Denise Mae Codis, CNU Intern)

INCREASING the seating capacity of the Carcar City Sports Center to 8,000 and preparing the accommodation of the contingents are among the organizers’ concerns for next month’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo. Provincial Board Member Andrei “Red”Duterte, chairman of the PB committee on tourism, said they expect thousands of spectators to watch the cultural event that will be held in Carcar City in southern Cebu, which is why they are planning to rent additional bleachers. As for the contingents’ accommodation, the selection of schools that will house the contingents will be done through a raffle, he said. The PB committee already has a list of schools that contingents from the 50 municipalities and cities in the province may use. Carcar City Mayor Patrick Barcenas earlier said 23 schools had already been chosen to house the participants. “Naa na mi list sa mga schools sa Carcar. In fact, dili lang sa Carcar kay dili man ma-accommodate tanan... In fact, karon magbunotay na kung asa sila mo stay, para fair, mag draw lots,” Duterte said in a phone interview with Superbalita Cebu. (We already have a list of schools in Carcar. Since the schools in Carcar cannot accommodate all of them, schools outside of Carcar will be included. The schools where they will stay will be raffled off, to make it fair). Duterte said the neighboring towns of San Fernando and Sibonga were already informed that they may have to provide accommodations to some contingents. Last Wednesday, July 19, 2023, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia visited the Carcar City Sports Center to check the preparations at the venue for the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo on August 27, 2023, including the stage and other areas that need to be fixed. The Provincial Government plans to rent bleachers to have up to 1,000 more seats since a lot of people are expected to watch the performances during the event. The Carcar City Sports Center has a seating capacity of only 7,000. “Magdugang mi og mga bleachers. We are looking to rent additional bleachers nga maka-accommodate og additional 500 to 1,000 so maximum capcacity of the sports center, if ever, would be 8,000,” Duterte added. (We will add bleachers. We are looking to rent additional bleachers that can accommodate additional 500 to 1,000 people to increase the maximum capacity to 8,000, if possible.) (ANV, TPT)

NG KHAI Development Corp. successfully held its B.E.A.T (Business, Education, Arts and Technology) 2023 Educational Summit in celebration of the business’ 30th anniversary on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

The annual summit aims to present the newest digital solutions in aiding schools and companies to develop and utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools in a responsible way.

Threats

Company president Wilson Ng said different industries can overcome the threats posed by AI if people work together.

“Artificial intelligence is coming, and it looks like they may be smarter than us. But I think we know that as long as we work and sing together, we will overcome it,” he said.

Myles Ng, head of the company’s human resources office, said discovering these AI tools will be beneficial as long as people utilize them appropriately.

“Try it. Explore it. Encourage it. All of these tools can help us if we give it a try,” he said.

During his talk on “Tradition to Transformation: Unleashing the Power of Digital Innovation in Education,” Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) president Bernard Villamor stressed the value of digital information as AI becomes more widespread, and developing even the education sector.

“Digital information is no longer an option to education, but it’s a necessity,” he said. “The academe in the age of technology is not an alternative. An academe with good use of technology is transformative,” he added.

Villamor also talked about the university’s top digital transformations, as a trusted education provider that made the lives of the students, faculty and administrators easier.

Ethics

Department of Information and Communications Technology-Central Visayas (DICT 7) Director Frederick Amores discussed concerns on ethics in the use of AI in education, such as privacy, surveillance, bias and discrimination and autonomy.

While there are certain risks that have to be considered, he said AI also has benefits, and that its existence is not a threat and will definitely not replace people.

“It will not replace people. It will enhance productivity. Our goal is to use it and improve,” he said.

Legal framework

Amores also spoke about the legal framework of AI, House Bill 7396 or the “Act promoting the development and regulation of AI in the Philippines.”

“AI is a technology that is still in its infancy. We have an opportunity to develop it and make it a useful tool for improving productivity and our quality of life,” said Amores.

NG Khai Development Corp. partners including HP, Lenovo, Sophos, Samsung, Dell Technologies, Westcon Comsor, Holowits and E-Cloud Valley highlighted their technological innovations and how they can improve the educational sector.

The event concluded with a raffle draw where attendees received prizes such as flash drives, cable chargers, Dell monitors, Samsung smartphones, a LED TV and Chromebook.

The event was a two-day showcase of the latest and greatest technological innovations for the education and enterprise partners. (Camille Erika Butas and GK Marie Dejacto, CNU Interns)

The Cebu Provincial Board advised the public not to be easily deceived by “quick and easy” money offered by investment scammers.

PB Member Glenn Anthony Soco made this call through a resolution approved by the board during its regular session on Monday, July 17, 2023.

Soco urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to increase public awareness regarding the proliferation of investment scams that mostly target residents of mountain barangays.

In the resolution, the board member backed the SEC’s decision to alert the public on questionable groups that take the hard-earned money of Cebuanos.

“The proliferation and popularity of illegal investment activities, fraudulent machinations, and Ponzi schemes in Cebu Province are a cause for alarm for business and commerce. For several years, numerous reports of illegal activities had and are continuing to victimize the public on investments with unbelievable and impossible returns and profits,” Soco said in his resolution.

“It has always been our drive to protect the people’s hard-earned money. Beware of these fictitious, unscrupulous and dubious investment scams and money-making activities,” he added.

The SEC issued warnings to the public on how to identify investment scammers.

According to the department, it is important to know the name of the business and the opportunities it provides before engaging in financial transactions.

The investor must also be aware of the company’s address, landline number and SEC registration.

“Do not be tricked or tempted by offers of promissory notes or post-dated checks that will be issued in your favor to allegedly ensure the payment of earnings and the reimbursement of your investments,” according to the SEC advisory.

If a business does not give any information and is not registered with the SEC or does not have a license to operate, the SEC said the business is illegal.

The public is encouraged to check the SEC website, contact the Investor Protection Department at (888) 584-6337, or seek assistance from the police or the National Bureau of Investigation to ensure the transaction is lawful.

Soco urged the SEC to increase public awareness on illegal investment schemes by cooperating with the municipalities and the barangays, particularly those in the far-flung areas.

“The efforts must get as far as the farthest municipalities and far-flung mountain barangays. SEC is encouraged to design more exhaustive and intensive information dissemination wherein populace of a larger number can have access to or will be reached,” Soco said. (ANV, TPT)

There have been a lot of changes in the careers of my inner circle. Many of us are moving through the ranks, taking more responsibilities, or making the bold decision to move back to a career we had hit pause on.

One of my friends is coming back to the media after a year in the corporate world. In such a painful process, she has taught me a valuable lesson on how growth is not necessarily linear.

During a vacation, my friend told me that she felt the desire to go back to the media after a fulfilling career in corporate marketing.

She had fun and enjoyed working with the people in her office, but the time just came for her to pursue again her first love—journalism.

I asked my friend why she left the media only to come back, and she told me that before she moved jobs, she simply felt stuck and needed to grow elsewhere.

Right now, she has reached a certain maturity to go back to the industry she loved. In spite of her firm decision, there is still a gnawing fear of the unknown. She feared the judgment others would make of her.

This bold move from someone I’ve always looked up to for being strong-willed and decisive left a great impression on me with my own decisions.

Another friend of mine is also making another bold career move, moving back to a company she left more than a year ago to take a higher position.

Moving between competing companies and taking on new challenges can only be admirable.

This year, I moved jobs three times in the same company. I moved between the newsroom and marketing within a span of seven months, back and forth, like a lost puppy.

While feeling lost, I almost moved to a different company in a totally different industry having been initially enticed by a pretty decent offer.

I eventually turned it down as I settled on a different position in SunStar.

My indecisiveness has made me doubt my capabilities and wonder if I would ever get back on track.

Listening to my friend, who moved through the waves of her career with such grace and finesse, still admitting to the fear of the unknown has given me a sense of hope.

It’s okay that I’m still figuring things out. It’s okay to settle down for a while only to move again.

Right now, I think I feel more settled and stable in what may be a job for the long haul. I really hope so.

If you feel stuck, take the next opportunity to grow elsewhere. At the end of the day, you will always find your way home no matter how far you’ve gone.

So are you making the right career decision? Maybe, maybe not. What is important is to make that decision to grow continuously as you move through life.

It will be scary, but it will be fine.

Western Visayas pride UBUNTU captured Davao Agilas, 71-67, in a nerve-wracking basketball tourney in Spring Rain Global’s (SRG) 6th Missions Cup Championship, Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Loud roars from the crowd reverberated at Capitol Parish Gym, N. Escario St., Cebu City after a fiery first half emerged as both teams were not willing to give up the basket in the first two minutes of the first quarter.

However, Davao Agilas soared with a three-point lead, 16-13, against UBUNTU then secured the first half with a one-point lead, 34-33.

But a sudden turn of events refluctuated the Agilas in the second half as Johnrey Jakosalem, shooting guard, scored 25 points with an assist from teammate Junisio Nicario, center, who garnered 23 points that led them to their purposeful victory, 71-67.

“We helped each other to get our championship,” said Jovenal Ropero, head coach of UBUNTU.

He added that the team will utilize their P1 million prize money to help sick and elderly priests in their diocese.

Cash prizes were also awarded to the other teams with a consolation prize of P150,000.

Survivors Clergy Region 8, who placed third, won P200,000; second place, Agustinos Recoletos Mission in Asia and Africa won P400,000; and first place Davao Agilas won P600,000.

Meanwhile, Dr. Glenda M. Antonio, founder, president, and chief executive officer of SRG, expressed her gratitude after a successful three-day-event comeback, when operations ceased during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

“It is fulfilling that we have developed a platform for the priests to enjoy and promote a cause after we stopped [during the pandemic],” Antonio said.

She added they will open invitations starting at the end of the year to begin the new season of Spring Rain Global Mission Cup 2024. (Denise Mae Codis and Erica Abella, CNU Interns)

Not all skinny people are skinny because they eat less. Many factors determine body shape and size. Genetics figures significantly. One’s metabolism or how one’s body processes and stores energy also plays a crucial role.

Some are metabolically lucky. They’ve simply won the genetic lottery. But some are simply metabolically healthy. They’ve actually done something to get to where they are today.

They eat well. They exercise regularly. They get enough sleep. They know how to manage their stress levels. In brief, they lead a healthy lifestyle.

Not all chunky people are chunky because they eat a lot. Some are the size and shape they are due to genetics, prevailing medical conditions and medications taken. One’s age, sex, ethnicity, family and medical history, even personal circumstances also matter.

Some factors are beyond our control while some factors are not easy to control. Whatever circumstances we are in and whatever genetic predispositions we are born with, however, we can still work on the other factors within our control.

Our eating habits, our lifestyle choices as well as the levels of physical activity we choose to engage in are crucial in managing our metabolism and reducing our risk for disease.

But skinny doesn’t always mean healthy. Chunky doesn’t always mean unhealthy.

The number on the scale represents the weight of our body which is composed of bone, muscle and fat. If we are big-boned and muscular, we are bound to be heavy. Are we necessarily unhealthy? No.

Most of us obsess about excess body weight, but it’s excess body fat we should be concerned about and more importantly, it’s location and composition. In particular, we should focus on abdominal fat.

Subcutaneous fat is the fat that rests between our skin and stomach muscles. It’s the fat we see and feel and call our love handles.

Visceral fat is the fat that rests under the muscle wall and sits around our organs. It’s the fat that is hidden and the fat we should be wary of. In excess, this fat raises our risk for diabetes, cancer, dementia and cardiovascular disease.

Visceral fat is roughly 10 percent of our total body fat. So, in general, the more belly fat, the more visceral fat. The best way to avoid having excess visceral fat is to keep abdominal fat in check by living an active lifestyle, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and managing stress levels.

While chunky people can have a lot of visceral fat, so can skinny people. What you see is not always what you get. Your metabolic, heart and lung fitness rather than your size, shape and weight, are better indicators of your health.

Being skinny doesn’t give you license to eat whatever you want or to sit on your chair for however long you want. Skinny doesn’t mean healthy. Chunky doesn’t mean unhealthy. It’s not about being skinny or chunky. It’s about being fit, strong and healthy.

The countdown for Cebu Marathon 2024 started Wednesday, July 19, 2023, as representatives from the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) unveiled the many firsts athletes and participants will experience on Jan. 14, 2024.

John Owen Zaldarriaga Pages, CERC representative and Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC) chairman, announced during the launching Wednesday, July 19, the new race distances and surprises they have prepared exclusively for the runners participating in Cebu Marathon 2024.

“Let’s start with our distances. We are making it different. We are going to have four distances starting, of course, with 42K and instead of the 21K, since it’s 2024, we are going to have a 24K,” said Pages.

He added that to pose an extra challenge to the runners, the events’ organizers have changed the usual 10K and 5K to 12K and 6K, accordingly, to complete the new four offered race distances.

Among the many firsts, Pages also mentioned their partnership with Salt Plus Fin, a local sportswear brand in Cebu, where all registered participants will receive jerseys.

Also, finishers of the 42K and 24K races will get a towel and medal at the finish line, similar to Ironman events where towels are handed out after the race.

Registration and rates

Online registration is ongoing at its official website: cebumarathon.com.ph.

Meyrick Jacalan, a CERC representative, said an early bird rate will be granted until Sept. 30, 2023. It will be open to all race distances.

Jacalan added that the early bird rates will start at P1,999 for 42K, P1,799 for 24K, and P799 for both 12K and 6K.

On Oct. 1, regular charges will start at P2,499 for 42K, P2,299 for 24K, and P999 for both 12K and 6K.

Special freebies will also be given to runners, such as medals, towels and t-shirts, while the first 1,024 registrants of the 42K and 24K categories will be given free premium visors.

Routes

Familiar but this time a brand-new series of routes will serve the marathoners, said Pages.

For the 42K distance, runners will be treated to a combination of iconic spots in Cebu, from Plaza Independencia, Colon Streets, Magellan’s Cross, Fuente Osmeña, to the Capitol and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

The CERC board also decided to unfold the routes as early as possible to give a head start for attendees to train in advance.

They will start the marathon at 12:24 a.m. to avoid the traffic congestion and to allow marathoners to begin their race in comfortable weather.

The organizers chose to launch the event six months prior to allow the participants to have a longer time to prepare themselves for the competition.

Easy in mind, hard in reality

Jesse Taborada, president of CERC, said many marathoners underestimate the demands of joining a marathon—it takes long training, discipline and a diet check.

“If you cut corners, you may have problems and difficulties along the way, not to mention the accidents that can come along the way,” said Taborada.

Kats Cajucom of AIA Vitality, a major partner of the Cebu Marathon organizer, also shared her advice to the participants with regard to an athlete’s food intake.

“It takes longer to prepare and it really requires discipline to run a marathon, not only physically but mentally and even the food that you eat,” said Cajucom.

“I think in the training you really learn how to be disciplined,” she added.

In the same way they are preparing for the event, she urged the participants to have month-long preparation to at least train their body to become accustomed to longer distances. (Denise Mae Codis and Claudine Flores, CNU interns)

EIGHT-DIVISION world champion Manny Pacquiao will be back in the ring in a legend vs. legend boxing exhibition against Muay Thai superstar Buakaw Banchamek sometime next year.Pacquiao went to Thailand on July 20, 2023 and met with Buakaw to formally announce their boxing exhibition bout.

The 44-year-old Pacquiao officially retired from boxing in 2021 following a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in a World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight fight in Las Vegas.

However, Pacquiao never fully left boxing and fought famous South Korean Youtuber DK Yoo in a charity exhibition last year in South Korea late last year. Pacquiao beat Yoo by unanimous decision.

Pacquiao is arguably one of the best boxers in history. He’s boxing’s only eight-division world champion. Pacquiao won world titles at flyweight, super bantamweight, featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight.

In a storied career that spanned almost three decades, Pacquiao has been im many memorable fights. He has fought the best of the best, the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar dela Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Rocky Hatton and Shane Mosley.

Pacquiao finished his career with a record of 62 wins, eight losses and two draws with 39 wins by knockout.

Like Pacquiao, Buakaw is also considered one of the best in his sport, Muay Thai.

Buakaw is a two-time Omnoi Stadium champion, Lumpinee Stadium Toyota Marathon champion, Thailand Featherweight titleholder, two-time K-1 World MAX champion and 2011 and 2012 Thai Fight tournament winner.

Buakaw last fought in Muay Thai on May 6 in Rizin 42 in Japan, wherein he fought Rukiya Anpo to a draw. He also entered bareknuckle boxing and knocked out Erkan Varol in BKFC Thailand last year.

Buakaw has a kickboxing and Muay Thai record of 240 wins, 24 defeats and 14 draws with 73 victories by knockout. (EKA)