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(Washington, DC) - Guatemalan authorities should respect the results of elections held on June 25, 2023, Human Rights Watch and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) said today. Concerned governments, including from Latin America, should urge the government and other authorities to ensure democratic values and respect the will of Guatemalans expressed at the

July 07, 2023 4:15 PM

Mr Morrison, who was prime minister from August 2018 to May 2022, rejected each finding adverse to him.

July 07, 2023 4:05 PM

Tesla will open an office, showrooms and service centres in Malaysia and establish a network of charging stations for its cars.

The Oscar-winning actress recalled the singer’s performance at the Academy Awards in 2001.

THE recently opened port in Liloan town, northern Cebu will soon serve the Liloan-Mactan Island route once the vessel of Topline Seabus that can accommodate 150 passengers is already available.

The three ships operated by Aznar Shipping, Super Shuttle Ferry, and OceanJet have served passengers traveling to Camotes Island since the opening of Pier 88 last May.

The Aznar Shipping will make the first trip, departing from Pier 88 at 5:30 a.m. followed by the OceanJet at 8:30 a.m. and Super Shuttle Ferry at 9:30 a.m.

A staff of Pier 88 said the fare for Aznar Shipping is P360, while P600 and P1,000 for OceanJet’s tourist class and business class accommodation, respectively.

For Super Shuttle Ferry, the fares are P360 for regular economy, and P390 for tourist class.

According to a staff of Pier 88, Aznar Shipping's transport fare costs P360, while that of OceanJet cost P600 and P1,000 for tourist and business class accommodations, respectively.

For the Super Shuttle Ferry, ordinary economy class costs P360, while tourist class costs P390.

The pier is developed by Topline Group of Companies on the 3-hectare property.

However, Pier 88 did not yet disclose the data concerning the total number of passengers and their income since from the start of their operation as they have yet to finalize their records.(CNU Intern Kimberly Goc-ong)

The previous government's "Robodebt" scheme drove people to despair, a landmark inquiry finds.

July 07, 2023 3:45 PM

The move quashed his hopes of returning to Parliament and contesting national elections due in 2024.

July 07, 2023 3:40 PM

Most deaths were in eastern Punjab province, and mainly due to electrocution and building collapses.

National Bureau of Investigation chief Medardo Lemos has apologized for the sexy dance number caught on video at an event of the agency, as he vowed to penalize accountable officials.

CEBU Business Months is an annual event initiated by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) that promotes businesses in the province of Cebu. It explores opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to create connections in the national and global arena.

In its 27th year, CBM 2023 thrives with its theme: "Cebu 'ta bai." The launch took place on Wednesday night, July 5, 2023, at SM Seaside City Cebu. CBM 2023: 'Cebu 'ta Bai' CBM 2023, with the theme "Cebu 'ta bai," highlights Cebu's future through innovation and development, attracting opportunities for the Cebuano people to venture on.

Spearheaded by CBM's chairperson, John Paul Chiongbian, CCCI focused on four sectors: Tourism; Information and Communications Technology; Entrepreneurship; and Creative Entertainment. These four sectors will have initiatives and events for the rest of the year, furthering Cebu's bright future. Telling stories through food, travel, and adventure In 2023, the tourism sector aligned with the National Development Plan of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in mapping its activities and events.

Under the leadership of Tourism Chairperson Cathleen "Kate" Anzani, they give importance to food tourism, regenerative tourism, and product development in crafting their calendar to promote Cebu's rich heritage and distinctiveness.

Among the occasions are Cebu Food and Wine Festival, Tourism Congress, Safari Adventure Race, Golf Tournament, and the Cebu Food Congress.

The dates of each event vary, and some require tickets before joining. Forging Cebu's digital uprising Innovation and Technology for All (IT4All) serves this year's CBM 2023 with immersive collaborations with technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, headed by ICT-BPM Chairman Ryan Tan Yu.

The participants will discover, learn, and connect through panel discussions, programs, pitching, and demos.

IT4All 2023 will end through an open space for tech innovators to connect with investors and socialize with fellow participants. Creating conscious and purposeful collaborations Led by Chairperson Anne Gretchen Choa, the entrepreneurship sector's theme is "Creating conscious and purposeful collaborations," that will focus on Micro, Small, & Medium enterprises (MSMEs).

This includes refining the current livestock and agricultural production processes, enhancing food and beverage products, and introducing exciting developments in the industrial sector. Amplifying local artistry The creative entertainment sector, led by the Creative Entertainment Industry Chairman Lawrence Po Panganiban, organized three events that will feature Cebu's local artistry.

See Cebu is a two-day exhibit and conference that spotlight Filipino artists and writers. AnimeCebu will feature Japanese and local artists as keynote speakers. A workshop will take place to close the event. The date for both events is yet to be confirmed. The Cebuano Fortress Inspired by the Cebuano people's attitude, CBM 2023 anchored the theme by showcasing mainly Cebuano talents, skills, and artistry.

"Let us embrace the spirit of 'Cebu 'ta bai' and allow people to come together as a community, supporting one another and lifting each other," Co said.

Co pointed out that CBM 2023 will serve as a premier platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies, encouraging collaboration and driving the adaptation of innovative solutions that will propel us into a future of sustainable growth. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

July 07, 2023 3:05 PM

Ms Retno said that was the only way to bridge differences and achieve lasting peace.

July 07, 2023 3:05 PM

Some netizens lamented the lack of representation for more types of women.

The House leader said that the lower chamber will be “working overtime to comprehensively scrutinize the national budget by virtue of its ‘power of the purse’ mandate” as he vows the passage of 20 priority measures of the Marcos Jr. administration.

A mission to keep Toledo City’s ocean clean

OUR oceans have always been a formidable force. To the fishermen, on good days, the ocean feeds their families. To the tourists looking for a reprieve, the oceans are an escape. To the people of Toledo City, Cebu protecting and preserving the marine biodiversity in the coastal areas of the city is not just an afterthought but a must.

In 2022, diving enthusiasts from the local power plant operating in Toledo City, Therma Visayas Incorporated (TVI) under Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) explored the depths of their surrounding waters. To their surprise and dismay, it was not only beautiful corals and marine life that greeted them, but plastic wastes scattered on the seafloor.

An earnest desire to make a difference led to the birth of Scubasurero, an AboitizPower and TVI-led initiative that enjoined local government and people's initiative to do clean-ups not only along the shoreline and surface of the waters but also the submerged coastal areas near the TVI facilities and the Bato Marine Sanctuary. Quite appropriately, the coined word “Scubasurero” is a portmanteau combining the words 'scuba diving' and 'basurero' or garbage collector.

As a Scubasurero and one of the leaders of Bantay Dagat, Eugene pushes to be an agent of change by helping protect the waters of Barangay Bato.

Eugene Matin-aw, a 41-year-old father of four, made it clear: his job as a team leader of the Bantay Dagat seaborne patrol and the Scubasurero program has changed and strengthened his views on protecting the oceans and the marine sanctuary in Barangay Bato.

“Importante ni, kay kung wala ang marine sanctuary, mawad-an isda ang Toledo. Ang atong kadagatan mawala, kay ari mana sila mu-produce ang isda og mga sperm mga semilia, ari sa marine sanctuary, sa corals. Mao na’y makuha pud sa atong mananagat, kay og wala’y sanctuary wala nay isda, wala na’y managat,” Eugene shared.

(This is very important because, without the marine sanctuary, Toledo will lose all its fish. Our marine life will be gone since the fish reproduce in the sanctuary and lay eggs on the corals. That’s the same fish that our fishermen catch. Without the sanctuary, there won’t be any fish, and there will no longer be fishermen [in these areas].)

Being a Scubasurero, Eugene’s daily life is now connected to the oceans. Aside from protecting the marine sanctuary, the program has given him the opportunity to provide for his family. With the honorarium and the fish they often receive, Eugene said that being a Bantay Dagat and Scubasurero gave him the chance to do something for the environment and for his family at the same time.

Eugene (right) leads his Bantay Dagat team in ensuring that the sanctuary is clean and well-protected.

Alwin Canonigo, head of the Bantay Dagat crew, said that in the early days of setting boundaries for the sanctuary, they received some kind of resistance from the people, with most of the complaints concerning no longer being allowed to collect seashells by the seashore. However, the people eventually realized the benefits.

“Ig-kadugay nakasabot sila na nindot kaayo na naay marine sanctuary kay ang isda dili mapuo. Karon bitaw ilang istorya nindot daghan na kaayong isda diri,” Alwin said.

(Eventually, they realized that it's good to have a marine sanctuary because the fish will not disappear completely. Now, they talk about the abundance of fish in the area.)

Noel Cabahug believes that taking care of the environment is necessary for survival. He joined the Scubasurero event in March to help clean up the Marine Sanctuary near TVI.

Meanwhile, for Vice-President and Facility head of TVI Noel Cabahug, diving deep and being part of the instigators of the program has given him a unique perspective on marine environment protection.

“I shared it with my son, na kini, mao ni atong i-maintain... This is ours. Without taking care of our environment, wala na ta. Wala na ta’y isda, wala na’y mahabilin nato nga isda,” Noel said, recalling the day when the coastal clean-up event happened.

(I shared with my son, that this is what we have to maintain... This is ours. Without taking care of our environment, we will also be gone. The fish will be gone, nothing will be left,”)

Therma Visayas Inc. employees along with other volunteers swam the waters of Brgy. Bato to collect trash underwater.

TVI and AboitizPower’s program, along with local government action, is one of the best ways to help preserve the environment in Toledo City, shared Toledo City Agriculture Head Estrella Bargamento.

“With Scubasurero na mutabang, ingon ani mani siya. Ang dili mabuhat sa LGU, mahug sad na mahal-mahal, unya ang uban kay voluntary baya na. Mahug siya og tinabangay nga ang ilang passion mahimo siyang importante og makatabang sa constituents dinhi na ang Bato Marine Sanctuary magpabilin siya nga limpyo,” Estrella said.

(With Scubasurero helping, they get to augment the things that the LGU cannot do with the high costs, especially since most of the divers are volunteers. It ends up being a collaboration, with their passions aligned with helping the constituents in keeping the Bato Marine Sanctuary clean.)

She hopes that neighboring towns and cities, and even the whole country, would adopt similar programs and see its progress in Toledo City.

Marigold Lebumfacil, reputation and stakeholder management specialist of TVI, said that their brainchild project has led to a collection of around 2.09 tons of waste with all of the clean-ups that they have done. She has witnessed how the program has changed the behavior of the local communities, and the ripples the program has created.

“They are already very aware that plastics are very harmful to the oceans. So far, with our monthly coastal cleanups, very active sila in supporting, and they even bring their own brooms, sacks, for the coastal clean-up.” Marigold said.

“It’s not for us, it’s for our future generations. I have kids, personally, it’s good that we started this kind of activity because if we keep doing this, it’s not only us that will benefit from this,” she added.

For the people behind Scubasurero, these are their promises and vision for the future, the marine environment, and the people of Toledo City.

Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) is one of the two coal-fired power plants in the country that houses a Coal Dome facility. It uses a state-of-the-art Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) and the Best Available Control Technology (BACT) to minimize coal dust emissions that can harm the atmosphere.

July 07, 2023 2:58 PM

Proposals to co-fire ammonia or hydrogen in power plants still leave 80-70% of fossil fuel emissions.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin called China’s behaviour towards Philippine boats in the disputed waterway ‘coercive and risky’.