Philippines News

PUBLIC school teachers are still doubling their efforts to meet the learning needs of students.

In an interview on Thursday, July 13, 2023, Marie Anthonette Rama, a teacher from City Central Elementary School, said they have been facing several struggles, as students nowadays lack interest in their studies.

"We do what is asked pero ang mga bata ug parents wala pa gyud sila na ready, nag adjust pa sila. They don't take school seriously unlike before," she said.

(We do what is asked, but the students and parents are not yet ready. They are still adjusting. They don't take school seriously unlike before.)

Rama said this problem has caused an increase in rate of absenteeism, which hampers students’ learning.

"Taas kaayo among absenteeism rate. They don't take school seriously anymore compared to previous, before sa pandemic nga ang bata mahadlok gyud moabsent," she said.

(Our absenteeism rate has increased. They don't take school seriously anymore compared to the pre-pandemic period when students are scared to get absences.)

Lack of school facilities, equipment

Rama also said that lack of school facilities and equipment remains to be a pressing problem in their school.

She said teachers have inadequate teaching and learning materials that would effectively engage students to learn.

She said the shortage of chairs and comfort rooms have been an issue, as it creates an environment that is not conducive for learning.

Charmaine Centino, a high school teacher from Cawayan, Dalaguete, Cebu, shared the same sentiments, saying some students also have poor academic performance, such as getting difficulties on reading.

Government support

Jesselby Lopez, an elementary teacher, said it is important to provide more seminars to support teachers in their teaching experience and disciplining the behavior of students, especially after the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"I think sa support in terms sa mga seminars nga magamit sa mga teachers sa field especially nga mga bata karon kay two years sila ba nga naa sa pandemic, lahi man jud ilang behavior na," she said.

(I think it would be the support in terms of providing seminars that can be utilized by teachers on the field of teaching, especially that students experienced two years of pandemic. Their behaviors have changed.)

Lopez also said that they have taking enough time to teach students and develop their learning competencies and performance at school.

She hoped that the government will address the problems on classroom shortage and lack of teaching and learning materials in order to provide a good learning environment for students. (Camille Erika Butas, CNU Intern)

The landmark trial of Guinea's former president and 10 others, including former ministers, accused of responsibility for a massacre and rapes in a stadium,

THE Philippine Plastics Industry Association Inc. (PPAI) is working on the transition toward producing single-used plastic through organic materials to ensure faster plastic decomposition.

"I hope everyone will realize that banning or stopping plastic [production] will never solve the problem; it will just worsen," PPAI president Aaron Lao told delegates of the first-ever VisMin Tourism Congress & Travel Sale, which runs from July 13 to 15 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotels & Casinos.

In his speech, Lao highlighted the continuing issues and challenges of plastic waste disposal in the Philippines.

"When I started at the Philippine Plastics Industry Association last 2003, plastic has already been a topic. Now it's been 20 years and the plastic packaging is still going strong," he said.

The Philippines is known to be one of the largest contributors of plastic waste worldwide, with 60 percent of the country only having large landfills without proper waste disposal, he added.

Fortunately, with several of the country's technological advancements in the plastics industry, Lao said that innovation paved the way to provide solutions on how to dispose plastic waste without compromising the environment.

"University of San Carlos has been prototyping on a bio-plastic made from shrimp shells and mango kernels... this can be the future of single-used plastics," he said.

Alongside Thursday event are The VisMin Printing, Packaging & Plastics Show and VisMin Hotel & Food Service Supplier Show 2023.

The VisMin Printing, Packaging & Plastics Show is back to sustain the ever-growing Visayas and Mindanao technological communities creating innovative solutions, highlighting the main environmental issue being waste management and disposal.

This year's event showcases new trends, technologies, products, and services, as it urged hotels and local businesses to properly dispose their plastic wastes. (Chrys Chelsea Bernales, UP Intern)

In a resolution dated Tuesday, the 13th Division of the appellate court granted the petition for writ of habeas corpus filed by the families of De Jesus and Capuyan last week a

A NEW multipurpose building and a skate park are seen to rise soon in South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City.

Cebu City Councilor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros proposed the project during the City Council regular session on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, saying it can be constructed on an empty one-hectare property in SRP.

He said the project would benefit young people and provide a location for sporting activities and other community meetings.

“However, we must recognize that there are still gaps in our infrastructure, particularly when it comes to recreational facilities that cater to the needs and interests of our youth,” he said.

He added that Senator Pia Cayetano is open to allocating funds if the City can offer an ideal location for the project.

“Two weeks ago, during the pre-qualifying nato nga kita Cebu City ang mo host sa Palarong Pambansa. Didto si Senator Pia and nakita niya ang situation, ang mga butang nga pwede niya ma tabang (Senator Pia was there and she saw what she can help),” Hontiveros said.

Meanwhile, the youngest son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vincent “Vinny” Marcos, who is a skateboard enthusiast, said during a meeting with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama last March that he would also look for a financial support for the project.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera said the blueprints had already been sent to the planning departments so they could be included in the project.

Hontiveros will leave Cebu together with Rama Thursday, July 13, to meet Cayetano and talk about budget and fund allocation. (Angel Leduna, CNU intern)

The Quezon City Police District announced on Thursday that the shooting incident involving a photojournalist is now considered a "case solved," according to QCPD director Brigadier General Nicholas Torre III.

 "For these kinds of incidents, it's enough for now that we have spoken about it and we have addressed the public. I believe that legal steps are not yet in the horizon," Secillano said.

Airport officials announced the cancellation of ten domestic flights for the rest of Thursday due to bad weather caused by the low pressure area and the southwest monsoon.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila called the US the “mastermind” behind the arbitration in a statement issued on the seventh anniversary of the Philippines’ victory against China. 

Asian automobile brands are filling the void left by companies that withdrew in the wake of Western sanctions

Chinese carmakers delivered more vehicles to Russia than anywhere else in the world during the first five months of this year as part of a major expansion in the country following the exodus of European, Ameri

A 32-year-old farmer was arrested by the police in Dalaguete town, southern Cebu for two counts of statutory rape filed by his 14-year-old niece.

Dalaguete Police Chief Major Clemente Ceralde and his men served the arrest warrant against the suspect, Rene (real name withheld), who hails from the municipality’s mountain barangay.

The warrant was issued by Judge May Faith Lledo Trumata-Rebotiaco of the Regional Trial Court branch 94 based in Argao town.

No bail has been recommended by the court for Rene’s temporary liberty.

Rene told SunStar Cebu that he began abusing his niece last year when she was 13 years old and continued to do so until she got pregnant and gave birth to a child, who is now four months old.

Rene said that he and the victim would sleep next to each other at his aunt's house during the night.

“Diha mi sa balay sa akong iyaan sir unya usa rami ug pamuyo hangtod nga sa among sige ug tapad ug tulog nadala nadugay,” matod ni Rene.

(We lived together at my aunt's house, sir, we were sharing a bed for numerous nights up to the moment (our emotions overcame us)).

The suspect reasoned out that what happened to them could not be considered rape because they both wanted it.

He added that the minor would even cry if she could not sleep next to him. (BBT, TPT)

ABS-CBN'S LONGTIME entertainment journalist Mario Dumaual died on July 5 due to septic shock while recovering from a heart attack. He was 64.

His passing sent the media community into deep mourning. Best known for telling stories about Philippine celebrities, he has earned the respect of the entertainment and the media industry because of his professionalism for over 40 years.

He studied at the University o

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the performance "offends the sensibilities", demeans the faith of the Christian majority in the Philippines and "dangerously scales the boundaries of protected speech and expression."

THE income of Oslob town has gradually increased due to the continuous influx of tourists and visitors to the area.

According to the recent Annual Audit Report of the Commission on Audit (COA), the local government has registered P35.3 million in tourism revenue since 2022, following the nation's three-year battle against the Covid-19 outbreak.

This is more than the P3.4 million in tourism-related profits that were generated in 2021, when there were travel restrictions that prevented most people from visiting the area.

The fourth-class municipality's total revenue last year was P265,249,031.3.

The Internal Allotment Revenue (IRA) or its share from the national government, which totaled P149 million, is one of the key contributors.

The well-known whale shark viewing in Barangay Tan-awan had the highest income in the town's tourism industry last year with P31,028,100, an increase from P2,278,210 in 2021.

Sumilon Island came in second with P3,081,870, Tumalog Falls came in third with P1,170,769.50, and Monkey Viewing came in fourth with P67,089.

Even though the municipality's tourism sector has begun to rebound, its income is still smaller than it was prior to the epidemic.

In 2019, whale shark watching activities brought in P120 million for the local government. (ANV, TPT)

THE Globe Group extended vital telecom support to the Provincial Government of Cebu’s quarterly service caravan that unfolded from mid-May to early June this year. This initiative presented a broad array of government offerings closer to the residents of cities and municipalities across Cebu’s ten districts.

Globe provided robust fiber and wireless connectivity solutions for the operations of the Caravan of Provincial Government Services, including the demands of live streaming in select areas. This contribution ensured seamless delivery of digital services, particularly in areas with limited accessibility.

In addition, the Group dispatched a dedicated team to manage SIM registration for individuals yet to meet this obligatory regulation. The team helped the public, particularly the elderly and individuals using basic or keypad phones, in ensuring their SIM cards are registered and kept active.

Globe’s support spanned from the first day of the caravan, providing aid in Barili, Medellin, Bantayan Island, Dalaguete, Alegria, Catmon, Consolacion, Pilar, and Tudela in Camotes Island, and Carcar City.

"Globe is dedicated to creating a positive societal impact by harnessing the power of technology to unite, empower, and advance communities. This partnership with the Provincial Government of Cebu is a testament to that," said Patrick Gloria, Globe Group Vice President for External Affairs. "We are proud to be part of this initiative that brings government services closer to the people, helping bridge digital gaps, and fostering stronger communities."

Mayor Avis G. Monleon of Catmon town also expressed gratitude towards the effort and encouraged residents to register their SIMs, saying “Register now and do not wait until the deadline of July 25, 2023. Thank you, Globe, for your support! I hope everyone here today will benefit from the Government Services led by our beloved Governor Gwen Garcia.”

The caravan facilitated residents with various transactions in one location, including medical and legal consultations, veterinary assistance, and comprehensive social welfare and agricultural assistance. It also served as a one-stop hub for major government services such as PhilHealth, Land Transportation Office, Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, and Pag-IBIG Fund.

The support provided to the Cebu Provincial Government is part of the Globe Group's broader mission to promote digital literacy and inclusivity, and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Globe is looking forward to further collaborations in support of the community and enhancing access to digital services.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

IN LIGHT of its remarkable contributions to revitalizing fishing communities of Cebu province following Typhoon Odette, the Aboitiz Foundation's "Project Banca" was awarded Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience at the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) CSR Guild Awards last July 6, 2023.

Together with its Cebu-based Aboitiz business units, the Aboitiz Group successfully aided in the recovery of fishing communities and families affected by the calamity. Project Banca helped restore livelihoods by providing fisherfolk with the necessary equipment to resume fishing activities.

"We are humbled and honored to receive the Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience award for 'Project Banca.' Being able to uplift and have a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the calamities is already an achievement for us, but this recognition will further fuel our determination to continue supporting communities in their journey towards recovery and resilience," said Aboitiz Foundation President and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan.

Coinciding with the launch of "Project Banca" on April 4, 2022 was the transfer of brand new bancas to beneficiaries in Talisay City, Toledo City, and Liloan Municipality, in Cebu.

The event represented the collaborative efforts of the Aboitiz Foundation, the local government, and the resilient communities aiming to empower fishing communities and revive the local economy.

The boats donated help fishermen catch fish more efficiently and safely.

In just two months, the beneficiaries caught 645 kilograms of fish, which they sold for a total of P129,000. With their fishing activities back on track, the lives of 75 fisherfolk and their families significantly improved.

“Project Banca” is an integral component of the Aboitiz Group's #RebuildCebu Campaign, which aims to assist in the rehabilitation of areas severely affected by Typhoon Odette in Cebu province.

The recognition of the Aboitiz Foundation's "Project Banca" as the Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience underscores the Aboitiz Group's strong commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.

As the Group undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, it is powered by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial spirit, and through initiatives like Project Banca, it actively fosters and encourages that entrepreneurial spirit among fellow Filipinos, even in the face of setbacks and natural disasters.

By providing support, resources, and resilience training, Aboitiz empowers entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and create opportunities for themselves and their communities. (PR)

MANILA, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines on Thursday officially launched the "green lanes" to improve the country's investment climate and boost the flow of foreign direct investments into the country.

In February, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos issued an executive order creating green lanes in government offices to facilitate materializing investments.

"I am confident that the green l

THE members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cebu City Field Unit seized several weapons and ammunition when they conducted a raid on a gun manufacturer’s home in Purok 3, Barangay Bunga, Toledo City, midwest Cebu.

The operation was headed by CIDG Cebu City Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Randy Korret last July 7 at 5:55 a.m. that resulted in the arrest of Marjon Medalle Empis, 33, a resident of the said place.

The CIDG men were armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Ruben Altubar of Regional Trial Court Branch 29 in Toledo City.

At least six firearms, including a .45 Colt pistol with seven rounds, a .45 Tactical STI handgun with six rounds, three .22 rifles, and a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver and different types of ammunition, were confiscated by the authorities.

The police also found a pack of suspected shabu weighing two grams with a standard drug price of P13,000 and drug paraphernalia.

In light of the upcoming Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections in October, Korret claimed that the CIDG head office has stepped up its efforts to seize unlicensed guns.

Police Brigadier General Romeo Caramat, the director of the CIDG, stated that they will continue to pursue and prosecute individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.

"The CIDG reaffirms to the public that it will continue to be persistent in enforcing the law against anyone who violates it and ensure that they will face the consequences of their crimes behind bars in adherence to the CPNP PGen Benjamin C Acorda Jr’s aggressive police operations under his 5-focused agenda,” Caramat said.(AYB, TPT)

THE Cebu City Government is already about 80 percent complete with its Spaghetti Wires Eradication Project, which started in 2019.

The program aims to provide maintenance to different areas in the city with spaghetti wires, or low hanging and overhead wires. These are wires that are tangled in a complicated web that takes a long time to comb through and arrange.

Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo said in a phone interview that they have continued their operations against spaghetti wires and have been responding to requests from different barangays in the city.

He said they started the operations in Colon and Osmeña Blvd. area, and they are now moving to midtown and uptown Cebu City.

Guardo said that on average, they recover 50 kilos of dead wire from Monday to Friday.

He said their team is composed of personnel from different telecommunication companies and they do the operation every day. Areas where they operate depend on their schedule, but they respond to requests immediately.

He said the project has been ongoing as they see it as part of the telco’s routine and maintenance job work, and as part of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s program to eradicate spaghetti wires.

Guardo said the project is necessary as it helps make the city clean, especially now that the Rama administration is pushing for a Singapore-like city.

The councilor added that once all the spaghetti wires are eradicated, they are looking at putting them underground.

He said the City already received an unsolicited proposal on underground cabling, and once it is approved, the contractor can start the installation of the overhead wires.

Underground installation, he added, is necessary so as not to see a repeat of what happened during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, when Cebu City was devastated, with electric poles toppled by the storm. (Kyle Andrei D. Acuña, NWSSU Intern)

(Bangkok) - Bangladesh authorities are taking inadequate measures to protect Rohingya refugees in camps from surging violence by armed groups and criminal gangs, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should assist refugees by establishing accessible systems to report crimes and promptly investigate complaints.

Human Rights Watch documented 26 cases of vio