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The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) has declared the 403-year-old Saints Peter and Paul Church in Makati City as an important cultural property.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers has urged President Marcos to order a salary increase, both for public and private workers across all sectors, to a level that can support a decent standard of living.

The water level of Angat Dam is nearing critical level, dropping further to 182.24 meters or 0.21 meters less compared to its previous 182.45 meters, according to latest monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The last refugee has left Nauru, but Australia will keep spending vast sums to keep the centre open.

July 02, 2023 10:10 PM

They are aiming for global norms in such areas as corporate governance and transparency, boardroom diversity or sustainability goals.

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded more P65 million ($1.16 million) in grants to support energy security and conservation in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela on June 16, 2023.

The grants were given by USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer as part of his visit to the Philippines from June 15 to 18.

USAID’s Filipino partners Tri-Sky Inc. and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation are the recipients.

Provided under USAID’s P1.6 billion ($34 million) Energy Secure Philippines program, the grants will support local energy planning and the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar roofing and nano generators, in the provinces.

With greater energy access, remote communities in Cagayan and Isabela can better prepare for and recover from natural disasters. The communities surrounding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in Lal-lo and Santa Ana will also benefit from the grants, according to USAID.

“USAID understands that energy is the foundation for systems such as banking, telecommunications, digital platforms, health, education, and transport, among other services,” Schiffer said.

“We look forward to partnering with the Philippines to provide greater access to sustainable energy in remote communities, increasing prosperity for families across the country,” he added.

In partnership with the Mabuwaya Foundation and the Agta Indigenous Peoples community at Sitio Golden Valley in Barangay San Mariano, Schiffer also launched the “From Ridge to River” project. Through this project, USAID will work with local communities, partners and government officials to conserve forests in the northern Sierra Madre.

“This launch is an important step toward preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region, and we are proud to be part of it,” said Schiffer.

During his time in the Philippines, Schiffer also spoke at the Asian Development Bank’s annual Asia Clean Energy Forum in Manila and visited a USAID-supported drug rehabilitation program in Mandaluyong City.

He also traveled to Palawan, where he toured the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, visited a waste collection and sorting site, sat with civil society organizations to discuss concerns over illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and visited the BRP Teresa Magbanua to learn about the Philippine Coast Guard’s protection of marine resources in Philippine waters.

Health inequalities are not removed simply because the resources are free and access is open to all, with preference for the marginalized.

In a paper published on Sept. 17, 2020 in the “Journal of Economics and Science,” authors Salaheddine El Omari and Mahmoud Karasneh found evidence that contradicts “standard economic theory predict(ing) that people use care services more frequently and regularly when they are free.”

Access to free medical assistance is still challenged by many factors, pointed out the authors of the paper, “Social health insurance in the Philippines: Do the poor really benefit?”.

In the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey Report, lack of financial resources and remoteness of location constrain people’s access to facilities and their services.

The authors note that the average travel time is greater for those in rural indigent communities to access healthcare facilities (38 minutes), compared to the 28 minutes average travel time for residents in urban poor communities to reach a healthcare facility.

A person needing medical assistance will even walk to seek this. Yet, when gender is considered, the challenge of walking or commuting to a health facility is compounded by other factors, such as child-minding responsibilities.

Who will take care of her children when a mother needs medical help? In rural communities, neighbors or nearby relations may be relied on.

Yet, as the youth and able-bodied leave for the cities, the elderly left at home may not be physically able to look after someone else’s children.

Many women are forced to bring their children with them, rather than risk leaving them home where an accident may occur.

In the study by El Omari and Karasneh, women respondents surfaced cultural factors that continue to limit women’s physical and social mobility.

These women respondents cited as obstacles their need to secure permission to go for treatment; the need for money to use during a trip for transport, food, and other needs, especially when children accompany them; and their need for a companion due to their desire not to go alone.

For Lapu-Lapu City resident Leny and her sister Daya, two unsuccessful trips to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) satellite office in Cebu City have made them leery of making another attempt to get financial aid that would have covered injections Leny needed regularly as an out-patient requiring twice a week maintenance hemodialysis treatments.

After securing medical abstracts and other documentary requirements at the hospital she received dialysis treatments and the Lapu-Lapu City Government, the sisters went on two separate occasions to the OVP to apply for medical assistance.

They failed to get the guarantee letters because each time, OVP security and administrative personnel told them they lacked a required document.

Both women are in their 60s-70s. Directly after her three-hour dialysis session, Leny needs her sister to assist her to commute for hours from Lapu-Lapu City to Escario St., where the OVP satellite office is located. They commuted to the Lapu-Lapu City Government, accredited pharmacies for the signing of their forms, and back to the satellite office, only to be told at the end of each day that they lacked another requirement.

No strangers to waiting patiently for medical aid from various government offices, Leny and Daya say that what discourages them from making a third attempt to seek OVP medical assistance is anxiety over the wasted unexpected out-of-the-pocket expenses, considerable for the elderly unemployed women, one being on dialysis.

Should something happen to my sister (if we make another attempt), will the government just look at her and say, we cannot help you because you lack another requirement, reflected Daya.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) expresses its profound gratitude for the overwhelming response of the Filipino people in support of the enhanced tourism campaign, Love the Philippines. Truly, there is so much more to love about our country than what we have so far articulated to the world. The public’s adoption and localization of the Love the Philippines tagline and logo to their own experiences, destinations, and offerings reflect our collective love of country and pride of place as Filipinos.

As one of the many other forthcoming components of the launch of the enhanced tourism campaign, the DOT’s contracted agency, DDB Philippines, prepared and published an audio visual presentation (AVP) which has recently been the subject of scrutiny on the alleged use of non-original shots in certain parts of the AVP. The DOT is currently conducting an exhaustive investigation to determine the veracity of, and to gather the full faculty of facts on, these allegations.

During the various meetings and consultations held relative to the tourism brand enhancement, the DOT, for its part, repeatedly sought confirmation from DDB on the originality and ownership of all materials contained in the AVPs and key visuals presented to the Department. In ALL these occasions, DDB repeatedly assured the DOT that the originality and ownership of all materials are in order.

While no public funds have been paid for the AVP in question as this particular component of the launch was released on the account of DDB, the DOT holds the responsibility of promoting the country to the highest standard. Therefore, it will not hesitate to exact accountability and take the necessary action to protect the interest of the country even as it continues to exhaust all efforts to develop and promote the Philippine tourism industry.

DDB Philippines profusely apologizes to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, the Department of Tourism and the Filipino people for the apparent use of non-original/stock footage in the audio visual presentation (AVP) shown in the launch event of the Love the Philippines campaign. As DOT’s agency on record for the launch of this campaign, we take full responsibility over the matter.

The AVP in question, uploaded by the agency on social media, was intended to be a mood video to excite internal stakeholders about the campaign.

It is important to note that the AVP was produced by DDB Philippines at its own expense, and no public funds were released or would be released, to fund the video. This was a DDB initiative to help pitch the slogan.

While the use of stock footage in mood videos is standard practice in the industry, the use of foreign stock footage was an unfortunate oversight on our agency’s part. Proper screening and approval processes should have been strictly followed. The use of foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines is highly inappropriate and contradictory to DOT’s objectives.

This is an isolated incident and the AVP has already been taken down as of this time.

The succeeding ad materials have yet to be produced for this campaign.

We are fully cooperating with and assure our full compliance towards DOT’s investigation of this matter.

We sincerely hope this will not diminish the genuine love and appreciation the stakeholders and the public have been showing for the Love the Philippines campaign.

The power of redirection is a wondrous thing. It may be frightening to have a dream upended in the blink of an eye and realize you’re made for something else but for Gabriel Angelo C. Avellanosa — nicknamed Billy — his shift towards a different path brought him closer to his true calling.

Billy was born and raised in Cebu City. He graduated from Velez College and became a licensed occupational therapist before fully starting his journey as an aviator in 2018.

In his foundational years, Billy had always been inclined to aviation — his interest started early as a child. He came from a family that worked in the same industry, so he was exposed to its inner workings.

He reminisced, “I can still recall the first time I ever sat in a cockpit. It was a magical thing seeing the sunset up close. My passion has been sparked by that core memory ever since.”

The 27-year-old pilot shared how much he admired seeing the magnificent views of the skies while watching different planes take off.

“My biggest inspirations are my grandfather and father. My grandfather was part of the Philippine Air Force Class of ‘64 and was a retired A340 captain. My father, on the other hand, is an A350 captain. Watching them achieve so many things during their respective careers prodded me to follow in their footsteps. I wanted to be like them.”

Billy shared that his grandfather used to tell him, “Don’t fall into the glamour of being a pilot. You have to work for it with the right attitude and discipline because it is not easy.”

To this day, he still lives by those words. Even in times of struggle, he perseveres.

Billy started his basic flight training at Airworks Aviation Academy in Mactan. After a year of intensive training, he was able to immediately acquire his Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating. Billy was among the first back of Airworks students selected for the First Officer Trainee program, in partnership with Cebu Pacific.

Founded in 1993, Airworks Aviation has become one of the top flying schools in the country, producing pilots from over 30 different countries with its large fleet of training planes. In its 30th year, it continues to serve with dedication and purpose in producing proficient and world-class airline pilots. It partnered with Cebu Pacific to provide a defined and fast-track pathway for future pilot graduates to have an opportunity to join one of the leading airlines in the Philippines.

Billy personally has Airworks Aviation to thank for the smooth trajectory of his career as a pilot. He attests that the quality education Airworks Aviation provided throughout his trainee years was fundamental to his success now.

“Airworks Aviation’s skilled and nurturing instructors aided me in developing the right attitude and discipline needed to successfully pursue my career,” shared Billy.

He expounded on how strategic the location of the school is; thus, providing the ideal space for pilots-in-training. It helps students develop a sense of how hectic ground and air traffic operations are -- it is a way to fully immerse trainees in the real workings of aviation. To top it all off, Airworks has a direct relationship with Cebu Pacific.

Billy shared, “All these factors have made Airworks Aviation a truly unique and excellent training ground for future pilots and aviators.”

Fast forward to today, Billy is an Airbus 320 first officer in Cebu Pacific and he aspires to be captain one day. Billy remarked how he still has a lot to learn about the industry and that he will take it one day at a time.

Though it can be said the path of pursuing your dreams is daunting, it also opens doors to new possibilities that align more closely with our authentic selves. Ultimately, it is in believing that one is only made for a singular path that we limit ourselves and what we can do. Gabriel Avellanosa’s story is proof that when the chance for change appears, one must take it, no matter how terrifying it is.

Cebu’s nightlife scene has just gotten more exciting with the launch of Apex Super Club on June 16, 2023 at City Time Square, Mandaue City.

Apex Super Club starts the party with its branded weekend nights: Rewind Thursdays, All of The Lights Fridays, Electric Jungle Saturdays and Pride Ball Sundays.

The club creates an electric nightlife experience with its state-of-the-art visuals, sounds and effects. With 50 tables and a 900-person capacity, the club offers a full-service experience with a fully equipped kitchen and VIP sections in the Sky Lounge. It also has a modular setup, allowing the space to be customized for any type of party or event.

More than just a venue, Apex Super Club aims to be a hub for events, stories, and experiences of Cebu. Guests can expect a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere where people can come together and create lasting memories.

Apex Super Club is located in City Time Square, Mandaue City, Cebu. Entry is open to those aged 18 and above with a regular fee of P100. Operating from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. every Thursday to Sunday, this dynamic venue promises an unforgettable “APEXperience” that will bring you to the peak of your party experience.

TO HELP kids stay busy and to help prepare the local schools for the Department of Education step-ladder competition, Moalboal will launch the 1st Mayor Inocentes Cabaron Summer Academic and Sports Enhancement Program on Saturday, July 8, 2023.

The free program will include clinics in basketball, volleyball, arnis, swimming, table tennis, tennis, badminton, sepak takraw and chess. Aside from sports events, the program will also have a capability-building seminar for school-based coaches and a campus journalism seminar.

There will also be free painting and music lessons.

“We want to discover new talents and to equip our teachers with the necessary tools for the next school year,” said Mayor Cabaron, a sports enthusiast who regularly plays tennis.

The basketball clinic will be a three-phase affair with separate seminars for barangay-based referees and coaches as well as for the 15-Under and 21-Under squads.

The participants of the basketball clinic will be tapped for the scheduled inter-barangay tournament later this year.

On the other hand, the capability-building seminar will be led by Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu athletic director Jon Ralph Inot and DepEd Cebu City sports supervisor Francis Ramirez. / ML

Nestled in the heart of Central Visayas lies a hidden gem awaiting discovery: Siquijor.

Known as the “Island of Fire,” this enchanting destination offers a delightful fusion of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and a captivating mystique. For Cebuanos seeking an extraordinary getaway, Siquijor provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Surrender to untouched beauty

Prepare to have your senses dazzled as you step foot on the untouched paradise of Siquijor. This undiscovered treasure is a masterful tapestry of pristine beaches, lush tropical woods and breathtaking waterfalls.

Dive into the inviting turquoise waters of Salagdoong Beach, where a thrilling cliff-jumping experience awaits. Indulge in a tranquil escape at Cambugahay Falls, immersing yourself in the cool, rejuvenating waters. Mount Bandilaan offers panoramic vistas of emerald hills and azure seas.

Immerse in cultural heritage

Step beyond the realm of natural beauty and be enveloped by Siquijor’s rich cultural heritage. Engage with the locals and venture into the realm of traditional healing. Immerse yourself in the fervor and magic of Siquijor’s vibrant fiestas, where fire dances mesmerize spectators. Unravel the secrets of the past and unlock the hidden meanings behind age-old rituals.

Plunge into island-hopping, snorkeling paradise

Delve into the island-hopping wonders of Siquijor, where sun-kissed beaches, azure waters and abundant marine life create a dazzling symphony of colors and sensations. Plunge into crystal-clear waters, witness vibrant coral formations and snorkel amid playful fish. Siquijor also offers a haven for diving enthusiasts, where vibrant coral gardens and curious sea turtles await.

Embrace tranquility

Siquijor’s spiritual retreats and serene ambiance offer a profound opportunity for Cebuanos to escape the noise of the world and embark on a transformative journey. Engage in meditation centers and yoga retreats, allowing your body to flow in harmony with nature’s rhythm. Find solace on Siquijor’s pristine beaches, offering a space for introspection and reflection.

Embark on a culinary journey

Siquijor beckons Cebuanos with a promise of culinary delights that mirror the island’s rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. Engage with the locals, savor the freshest seafood, and sample traditional Filipino dishes with a unique Siquijor twist. The warmth and passion of the people add an extra level of enjoyment to the gastronomic experience.

Siquijor beckons Cebuanos to escape the routine, venture into the unknown and discover the magic within its shores. Whether seeking tranquil beaches or thrilling adventures, Siquijor offers an unforgettable experience. Allow its pristine natural beauty, entrancing appeal and gracious welcome to alter your perspective forever.

July 02, 2023 7:58 PM

Italy PM Giorgia Meloni has said Italy can have excellent relations with China, even without being part of the initiative. 

ONCE upon a time, in a magical realm where the sky met the sea, lived a wondrous creature: The winged whale. These magnificent whales had wings that sparkled in the sun and colors that dazzled the eyes. They resided high up in the sky, on mystical islands that floated among the clouds, and they were filled with happiness and joy.

The sky islands were a sight to behold. They were made of puffy white clouds and were surrounded by an aura of shimmering light. The islands were connected to each other by rainbow bridges, and each island had its own unique landscape. Some were covered in lush green forests, while others had towering mountains or cascading waterfalls.

For years, the winged whales flew and frolicked among the clouds, reveling in their freedom, and exploring the vast expanse of their sky homes. They flew through rainbows, played hide-and-seek in the clouds, and basked in the warm glow of the sun.

One day, as they soared over the deep blue sea, they felt an irresistible tug, a temptation they couldn’t ignore. The ocean was a vast expanse of shimmering blue water, stretching as far as the eye could see. The sun sparkled on the surface of the water, casting a warm glow that beckoned the winged whales down.

As they descended, the winged whales were amazed by what they saw. The underwater world was a kaleidoscope of colors, full of vibrant corals, schools of fish and strange creatures they had never seen before. The winged whales were entranced by the beauty of the ocean’s depths, with its swaying seaweed, glowing creatures, and hidden caves.

For a time, the winged whales were happy in the sea, enjoying the new sensations and experiences it offered. But soon, they began to feel a longing for their old home in the sky. They missed the freedom of flying and the beauty of their sky island.

And so, the winged whales leaped out of the water, flapping their wings and tried to return to the sky. But their wings were heavy and cumbersome, no longer able to lift them high into the sky like they used to.

Even though they could not fly like they once did, the winged whales still remembered their sky island, and they longed to return. And that is why, to this day, when you see a whale jump out of the water, it is said that they are reaching for the sky, remembering the temptation of the ocean and the home they left behind in the clouds.

July 02, 2023 5:25 PM

The video was for the government’s $1.2 million “Love The Philippines” tourism campaign.

DDB Philippines said in a statement Sunday that while the use of non-original clips in mood videos is a standard practice in the industry, the use of foreign stock footage was “an unfortunate oversight” on its part. 

OPERATIVES of the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA 7) together with members of the Mabolo Police Station in Cebu City raided a suspected drug den in Sitio Abellana, Barangay Luz at 2:49 p.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023.

They arrested suspects Genewin Peoner Romano, the 38-year-old alleged operator of the drug den; Bridget Dawn Ferarren Ontoy, 23; and Lefty Luke Noval Lao, a 37-year-old construction painter.

They seized two packs of shabu weighing 11 grams with a street value of P64,800 and several drug paraphernalia.

A few meters away, they found five more persons inside another suspected drug den.

They identified the suspects as Faustino Alburo San Roque Jr., the 29-year-old alleged operator of the drug den; Rojar Alburo, a 44-year-old construction worker; Antonio Masbag Medilo Jr., 31; Redan Austria Rellesiba, a 25-year-old welder; and 34-year-old Jovelyn Abregondo Roldan.

PDEA 7 operatives seized seven packs of shabu weighing 15 grams with a street value of P102,000.

According to Leia Alcantara, PDEA 7 information officer, it took almost two months for them to conduct a case build-up against the two suspected drug dens after receiving information from a concerned citizen.

She said the eight suspects will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (AYB)

Yoon urges the ministry to stand up for liberal democratic values, saying that unification should improve people’s lives in the two Koreas.

TWO barangays in Talisay City, Cebu may soon be declared “drug-cleared.”

This was announced by Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr.

The two barangays are waiting for members of the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program to issue a certification on their status.

The committee, which is chaired by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas, is composed of provincial representatives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of Health and local government units.

The committee had already declared Barangays Maghaway, Biasong, Candulawan, Manipis and Jaclupan as “drug-cleared.”

The mayor said his aim is to have all the city’s 22 barangays declared “drug-cleared” by the end of the year. (BBT)