MANILA, Philippines — Many residents in Sultan Kudarat received over 500,000 kilograms of rice, along with cash and food packs, from government. In a statement on Sunday, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the packages were distributed through Cash and Rice Distribution Program (CARD) and Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair. ADVERTISEMENT“Sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas movement, wala pong maiiwan. CARD is a joint project of Romualdez, House of Representatives, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). DSWD provides help through government’s program for vulnerable sectors called Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

Growing up in a family immersed in various businesses, Rommel Juan was inspired to create his path in the entrepreneurial world. In 1996, the idea of BINALOT was born – a Filipino fast food concept that embraces the tradition of serving food wrapped in banana leaves and promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the use of disposable packaging. In the bustling world of fast food chains, BINALOT stands out as a Filipino brand that not only satisfies hunger but also serves with heart and purpose. Get the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Creamline Cool Smashers opened their title bid with a 34-36, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, four set win against the Farm Fresh Foxies in the PVL 2024 All Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, February 24. Head coach Sherwin Meneses said he is glad that they recovered after losing in a first set thriller match against the Foxies. Video by Nicole Anne D.G.

READ: Obiena bags gold, breaks Asian recordFILIPINO pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena notched a new Asian indoor record with his second gold medal victory in the Istaf meet at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin on Saturday (Manila time). The 28-year-old Obiena cleared 5.93 three attempts at 5.82 meters, then opted meters, surpassing the 5.92 meters record of Kazakh Igor Potapovich established in February 1998. Obiena's previous indoor best was 5.91 meters, established at the Perche Elite Tour in Rouen, France, in March 2022. Obiena, who owns the Asian best outdoor record of 6.0 meters clearance, started at 5.56 meters and achieved the feat in just one attempt before skipping 5.66 meters and 5.75 meters. For more news and information, read The Manila Times on print, subscribe to its digital edition or log on to www.manilatimes.net.

My conversation with Rase Eustaquio, head of People at 917Ventures, highlighted their emphasis on employee development, a culture of growth and their comprehensive approach to talent management. This program encourages employees to adopt a founder's mindset, driving innovation and ownership. The next 5 years, embracing new techWhen discussing 917Ventures' outlook, Eustaquio expressed enthusiasm for the potential of AI. While some organizations may see AI as a threat, 917Ventures encourages employees to use technologies like ChatGPT to enhance learning and creativity. Eustaquio foresees the core of 917Ventures' talent philosophy remaining stable for the foreseeable future: "It's expected to remain consistent for at least the next five years."

HUAWEI leapt forward in the world of tablet technology as it launched the Huawei MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition on Feb. 23, 2024. The Huawei MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition and Nova Y72 are must-haves for work and play.CONTRIBUTED imageThe cutting-edge device represented a fusion of advanced features, seamless functionality and unparalleled user experience, setting a new benchmark for innovation in the digital realm. The Huawei MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition marked a radical departure from traditional tablets, boasting an LCD panel that was made with a special nano-level embedding process and delivered a paper-like viewing and writing experience. Additionally, Huawei introduced the X Button for easy access to frequently used applications, streamlining navigation for enhanced efficiency. With the new X Button, accessing commonly used apps had never been easier.

With Cignal's acquisition of veterans Dawn Macandili and Jov Gonzaga, head coach Shaq Delos Santos said that their main goal is to be the champions of the tournament. Cignal prevailed in a four-setter match against the Akari Chargers, 21-25, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18, in their first match in Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024 All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, February 24. Video by Nicole Anne D.G.

On the face of a gallant stand by the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Bella Belen made the NU Lady Bulldogs come out on top in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, February 24. Belen tallied 21 points, 24 excellent digs, and 10 receptions to power NU to its first win of the season, 25-17, 24-26, 26-28, 25-19, 15-7. Video by Niel Victor Masoy

Aboitiz completes acquisition of Coca-Cola PhilippinesIn a stock exchange filing, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) said the parties have closed the transaction following the completion of all the conditions precedent to the acquisition. MANILA, Philippines — The Aboitiz Group’s entry into the branded consumer goods space is ready to commence with its successful acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI). In a stock exchange filing, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) said the parties have closed the transaction following the completion of all the conditions precedent to the acquisition. AEV and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc (CCEP) have purchased 100 percent of CCBPI from Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. for $1.8 billion. The acquisition will build on AEV’s portfolio diversification strategy to enter the branded consumer goods spaces.

DESPITE a penalty-laden first period, the Philippine men's national ice hockey team is off to a strong start in its debut in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships Division 3B by defeating Singapore, 6-3, at Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday. Philippine national ice hockey team captain Manvil Billones. PHOTO FROM HOCKEY PHILIPPINESTeam captain Manvil Billones and forward Jan Aro Regencia each tallied two goals and an assist in the game, while Filipino Swiss forward Steven Füglister finished with three assists. No goals were scored in the first period, but the Filipinos were penalized four times. On Saturday, the Filipinos will face Iran and will play against the host team on Monday.

LIUZHOU, China: Tiny electric cars weave through traffic in southern China, their cheap and cheerful designs bringing a touch of color to the EV revolution in the country's overlooked cities. WIDESPREAD This photo taken on Jan. 24, 2024 shows a mini electric vehicle and a motorcycle driving on a street in Liuzhou, in China’s Guangxi province. Small electric cars are proliferating in southern China with their cheap and cheerful designs, which make them stand out in the lesser-known locales in China. "I just wanted something to get me around town... not necessarily to travel long distances," the 23-year-old programmer told AFP. And they "create options for those that wouldn't otherwise be able to afford their own transportation," he told AFP.

Teachers, academics join growing movement vs Charter changeLaunching and press conference of TEACH or Teachers and Academics Against Charter Change with representatives from different basic and tertiary education groups. During a press conference on Friday, the Teachers, Education Workers, and Academics Against Charter Change (TEACH) described the Charter change campaign as an attempt to rewrite history and downplay the people's struggle against authoritarian rule under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the president’s father. This anti-Chacha campaign is part of our duty as teachers to preserve the memory of the anti-dictatorship struggle,” Pante said. The alliance also raised concerns similar to other anti-Chacha groups about the proposals to ease restrictions on foreign ownership. Ruby Bernardo, chairperson of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers - National Capital Region and TEACH member, also criticized the government’s apparent use of state resources to bankroll the Charter change campaign instead of focusing on raising teachers’ salaries, among other initiatives.

The Department of Energy (DOE) plans to raise RE share in the country’s total energy supply to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. But collectively, they can eventually account for half of our total energy supply in the near future. Government cannot be accused of failing to incorporate more RE in our national energy supply. What the industry complains about is the bottleneck in the creation of forward-looking regulations that will both expand RE use and rapidly modernize our energy transmission and distribution systems. That bottleneck, as usual, is blamed on an unready bureaucracy.

NEW DELHI: More than two dozen opposition parties in India joined forces to take on Narendra Modi, one of the country's most popular prime ministers in generations. RISING POPULARITY Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waits to receive Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, for a delegation level meeting, in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. India has a first-past-the-post multiparty electoral system in which the candidate who receives the most votes wins. "Modi's party has been successful in exposing distrust within the opposition alliance. The fracturing of the opposition alliance also stems from problems that have long plagued the dynastic Congress party, which is struggling to stay relevant among voters.

In just more than four decades, China's economic miracle, anchored on China's reform and opening up, transitioning from a closed, centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented one, has led to remarkable economic growth, transforming China into the largest trading country in the world and a global economic powerhouse. Moreover, emerging as a pivotal force and an engine of global economic growth, China is a catalyst for worldwide economic advancement, surpassing major economies in its contribution to global GDP growth in recent years. First, the Chinese economic miracle illuminates an alternative pathway to economic advancement, development and modernization for the Global South. Furthermore, developing countries can find inspiration in China's economic approach, which remains grounded in its historical experience. By heeding the lessons of China's economic transformation, these countries can navigate their own paths toward economic development and prosperity accessible to all members of society without compromising national independence, sovereignty, cultural identity, unique values and cherished traditions.