Worker dies after falling from scaffolding
A male worker in his 40s died after falling from scaffolding in Ho Man Tin on Sunday. The worker was then sent to Kwong Wah Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. According to the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, the Nepalese worker was the primary breadwinner for his family with two children. The Association expressed concern over recent fatal accidents involving scaffolding, urging all parties to pay attention to work-at-height safety and calling for a prompt investigation. The Labour Department has sent officers to the scene after receiving the report, and is currently investigating the cause of the accident.
Source:The Standard
October 13, 2024 13:39 UTC
New fish species found in East China
Chinese researchers have discovered a new species of fish, Opsariichthys iridescens, in East China, which features beautiful colors. The new species can be distinguished from its closely related species with a genetic divergence of over 14 percent, according to the research findings. Yang said that the discovery of several new species living in fast-flowing rivers or streams including Opsariichthys iridescens, indicates that the diversity of freshwater fish species in the region is still underestimated. According to Yang, these stream fish species are food resources for waterfowl and other animal, contributing to the nutrient cycling and water purification of rivers. Yang said protecting these fish species is essential to maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems, which helps to maintain biodiversity and promote the sustainable development of ecotourism and fisheries.
Source:The Standard
October 13, 2024 10:40 UTC
Garma’s drug war exposé just ‘tip of the iceberg’ – lawmakers
MANILA, Philippines — Retired police colonel Royina Garma’s revelation of an alleged rewards system in the Duterte administration’s drug war is merely the “tip of the iceberg,” lawmakers said on Sunday. He also emphasized that Garma’s statements cannot be easily dismissed. Meanwhile, Ortega pointed out that Garma’s disclosure before the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee on Friday, Oct. 11, is simply the start of a “deeper and more alarming issue” on the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the Duterte administration’s drug war. He also said the quad panel is committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Article continues after this advertisement“The Quad Comm will not stop until all the facts are laid bare because this is about accountability,” he added.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 13, 2024 09:37 UTC
Train crash in Egypt kills 1 and injures more than 20 people
A locomotive crashed into the tail of the Cairo-bound passenger train Sunday in southern Egypt, killing at least one person and injuring multiple others, authorities said. It is the second train crash in a month in the North African country. The collision occurred in the province of Minya, 270 kilometers (about 168 miles) south of Cairo, the railway authority said in a statement, and two railway carriages fell into an adjacent watercourse. The cause of the crash was being investigated, the statement added. Train derailments and crashes are common in Egypt, where an aging railway system has also been plagued by mismanagement.
Source:The Standard
October 13, 2024 09:19 UTC
WATCH: Coach denies spitting on UP player
De La Salle head coach Topex Robinson denied allegations that he spat on UP player Reyland Torres during their game on October 6, 2024 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Speaking to the media on October 12 after La Salle beat UE, 77-68, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Robinson admitted shouting at Torres and apologized for it. Video by Niel Victor Masoy
Source:Manila Times
October 13, 2024 06:48 UTC
Reducing NTC mandate may lead to abuses, group warns
MANILA, Philippines — An advisory group warned that the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act or Senate Bill 2699 which seeks to reduce regulatory oversight of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) could lead to more abuses. SB 2699, if passed, will eliminate the need for a congressional franchise for telecommunication companies, which diminishes the regulatory powers of the NTC. But in our zeal to encourage investments, it would be prudent to maintain the regulatory oversight of the NTC. One of the main pushers of the Konektadong Pinoy Bill is Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who is rallying support from different government agencies and business organizations to fast-track the passage of SB2699. AdvertisementThe proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act is awaiting deliberations at the Senate.
Source:Manila Times
October 13, 2024 05:46 UTC
WATCH: Bread house brings in the dough
Lou Dominguez is a wife, mother, baker, and owner of The Sourdough Breadhouse in Quezon City. She bakes an assortment of sourdough bread for cafes and individual customers around Metro Manila. She started baking as a hobby in 2018 when her sisters encouraged her to give sourdough baking a try. During the pandemic, she was encouraged further to sell her bread, and the business took off. Now, at 60, she is still full of passion and energy to expand her business and hone her craft in all things sourdough.
Source:Manila Times
October 13, 2024 03:27 UTC
WATCH: FEU outlasts Adamson in overtime in UAAP men's basketball
Jorick Bautista turns to his clutches anew as Far Eastern University outlasts Adamson in overtime, 76-72, in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 12, 2024. Bautista sent the game into overtime with a late triple then poured nine of his total 21 points in the extra period to will the Tamaraws to their second win in eight games, bouncing back from their loss to UST last timeout for seventh place. Adamson dropped to fifth with a 3-5 win-loss card, losing three straight games. Video by Niel Victor MasoyGet 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
Source:Manila Times
October 13, 2024 01:11 UTC
Nobel prize a timely reminder, Hiroshima locals say
REMEMBER THE TIME People visit the ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, now known as the atomic bomb dome, in the city of Hiroshima, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 12, 2024. "We know the horror of nuclear weapons because we know what happened in Hiroshima." He voiced hopes that the Nobel prize would help "the experiences of atomic bomb survivors spread further spread around the world," including by persuading people to visit Hiroshima. Future generationsKiwako Miyamoto, 65, said the Nobel prize was a "great thing, because even some locals here are indifferent" to what happened. Advertisement"I was born 10 years after the atom bomb was dropped, so there were many atom bomb survivors around me.
Source:Manila Times
October 12, 2024 22:10 UTC
Technology: The future is here
Technology: The future is hereI was in San Francisco for a couple of days where I was invited to deliver remarks and take part in a forum for the Fleet Week Senior Leaders Seminar onboard the USS Tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship. The San Francisco Fleet Week is the biggest civic event of the West Coast, attracting over 1.2 million visitors to the Bay Area annually. I am simply amazed to see driverless taxis on the streets of San Francisco – proof of the AI boom that’s happening – with many women saying they prefer “robotaxis” because they feel safer. According to Armscor CEO Martin Tuason, they already have the base to grow and the technology to start with. Being a treaty ally, the Philippines can ask the US for technology transfer which they would probably give “in a heartbeat,” Martin says.
Source:Philippine Star
October 12, 2024 20:30 UTC
Zero Hunger
Zero HungerEvery Oct. 16, World Food Day celebrates the creation of the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). FAO is a UN specialized agency leading international efforts to combat hunger, enhance nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and ensure food security. This year’s theme captures the spirit of FAO’s mission – “right to foods for a better life and a better future.”Food and nutrition security builds a better life for Filipinos. Zero hunger is achievable for the Philippines! As we celebrate World Food Day, let FAO’s so-called “four betters” also be our guide to zero hunger by 2030, so that all Filipinos’ future includes “better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life.”
Source:Philippine Star
October 12, 2024 20:30 UTC
TikTok slashes hundreds of jobs in AI shift
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Social media platform TikTok said it will slash hundreds of jobs, with a significant number of employees in Malaysia expected to be affected, as the company shifts to AI-assisted content moderation. TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, said Friday it would cut several hundred jobs around the world, without providing a breakdown by country. Less than 500 jobs in Malaysia are expected to be affected by the move. A TikTok spokesperson said that the job cuts were part of an effort to boost content moderation. The government of the Southeast Asian country has since asked social media platforms to apply for an operating license in an effort to tackle rising cybercrime, including online fraud, sexual crimes against children and cyberbullying.
Source:Manila Times
October 12, 2024 17:30 UTC
Use of mother tongue as mode of instruction ends as bill lapses into law
MANILA, Philippines — A measure that will discontinue the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 3 lapsed into law on Thursday, October 11. Republic Act (RA) No. 12027 or the Act of Discontinuing the Use of the Mother Tongue as Medium of Instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 3 amends Sections 4 and 5 of RA No. Article continues after this advertisementUnder RA 12027, “[t]he medium of instruction shall revert to Filipino and until otherwise provided by law, English,” while the regional languages will serve as a supplementary media of instruction for the students. READ: Government shortcoming failed mother tongue program, lawmaker saysIt also provides optional implementation in monolingual classes, or a group of learners who speak the same mother tongue and are enrolled in the same grade level of a school year.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 12, 2024 16:49 UTC
Shops reminded to get rid of plastic tableware as end of grace period nears
Businesses previously found failed to have complied with a citywide ban on single-use plastics during the transition period will be the first to get checked by officials starting October 21, as the six-month adaptation period ends. The first phase of the ban, which took effect on April 22, prohibits the supply of Styrofoam and disposable plastic tableware for dine-in meals, alongside a prohibition on the sale of these items. Secretary for the Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan wrote in his blog on Saturday that authorities would prioritize inspecting retailers to ensure restricted single-use plastic cutlery and products would no longer be available. They will then receive a fixed penalty ticket if they still cannot meet the rules after the 10-day period. He also quoted the local chain restaurants as saying that the six-month grace period is sufficient for them to clear out their inventory of single-use plastic tableware and make a switch to alternatives.
Source:The Standard
October 12, 2024 13:04 UTC
US slams China’s ‘increasingly dangerous’ moves
US slams China’s ‘increasingly dangerous’ movesPresident Marcos shakes hands with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the 12th Asean-US summit in Vientiane, Laos yesterday. “These should all reinforce ASEAN centrality and if implemented, provide a framework to help manage disputes in the South China Sea,” he said. “I believe we all recognize that the South China Sea is a strategic challenge that cannot be readily solved. “We must all remain open so as to seriously manage differences and reduce tensions,” he said, noting that tensions ramain in the South China Sea. “These kinds of behavior cannot be ignored, and demand of us concerted and serious efforts to truly manage our disputes in the South China Sea,” he said.
Source:Philippine Star
October 12, 2024 05:09 UTC