Imports seen as solution as agri losses hit P10B
Succeeding Typhoons Nika and Ofel added losses of P248.47 million to the total, with high-value crops (P97.72 million) and rice (P49.08 million) accounting for most of the damage. Farmers and fishers groups, however, reiterated their call for the government to stop rice and fish imports, noting that these did not result in lower prices. Instead, they called for additional support for their members, who were also reeling from losses due to the recent typhoons. The KMP is against the government’s plan to import more rice to offset the losses due to typhoons, with rice imports for this year possibly reaching around 4.5 million metric tons (MT), according to the DA. “Instead of directly supporting local farmers to recover from the damages caused by recent typhoons, the government is relying on imports,” it said in a statement.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 19, 2024 03:19 UTC
INQToday: Task force probing Duterte’s possible violation of humanitarian law – DOJ
Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:Pepito exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday, November 18, according to state weather bureau Pagasa. In a chance interview with reporters, Remulla was asked about possible violations committed by Duterte. Article continues after this advertisementIn a statement on Monday, Alvarez said the things that Duterte mentioned during the November 13 hearing of the quad committee were not surprising. After last week’s hikes, motorists can heave a sigh of relief as petroleum products will have slight reductions starting Tuesday, November 19. Your subscription has been successful.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 19, 2024 01:20 UTC
Group of Friends in the UN
Group of Friends in the UNOn the 79th founding anniversary of the United Nations last October, I was at the headquarters touring my sister around. I thought of how quite odd it was to meet with friends at 10 in the morning and of all places at the UN. He smiled to clarify he was not referring to the type of groups similar to my ladies’ coffee morning or afternoon tea meet ups, but to alliances of various countries or member-states collectively known as “Group of Friends.” The Philippines belongs to many of them. I did some research and read that the Group of Friends started in the 1990’s. Organizers usually invite a group of member-states, which may serve as the “core group” to lead the GoF’s activities, including hosting of meetings and organizing side events during high-level meetings at the UN.
Source:Philippine Star
November 18, 2024 17:33 UTC
ATP Finals: Sinner is winner
ATP Finals: Sinner is winnerTURIN, Italy – Jannik Sinner says he still has areas where he can improve next year after winning the ATP Finals for the first time Sunday to cap a near-perfect season for the world number one. The 23-year-old Sinner beat Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 at the season-ending event in Turin, his eighth title of a remarkable season which began with a first Grand Slam triumph at the Australian Open. “I’m very happy because it’s a very nice way to finish off an incredible season,” said Sinner, the first Italian to win the Finals in its 55-year history, doing so days after becoming the first from his nation to top the ATP’s end-of-year rankings.
Source:Philippine Star
November 18, 2024 17:31 UTC
Debt-saddled Laos struggles to tame rampant inflation
Debt-saddled Laos struggles to tame rampant inflationThis photo taken on October 12, 2024 shows passengers boarding a high-speed train in the railway station in Laos' capital Vientiane. Suffocating under a mountain of debt to China, communist Laos is struggling to tame rampant inflation, with food prices rising so sharply that a growing number of households are resorting to foraging. VIENTIANE, Laos — Suffocating under a mountain of debt to China, communist Laos is struggling to tame rampant inflation, with food prices rising so sharply that a growing number of households are resorting to foraging. But Vivat Kittiphongkosol of the Joint Development Bank Laos said the government had been "too slow" to react as problems unfolded. Alex Kremer, the World Bank Country Manager for Laos, warned these austerity measures would have damaging long-term consequences.
Source:Philippine Star
November 17, 2024 19:34 UTC
Pepito to bring heavy rains over many parts of Luzon
MANILA, Philippines — Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) is expected to bring heavy rainfall over many parts of Luzon on Sunday night, the state weather bureau said. In an 8 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said intense to torrential rains (greater than 200 millimeters) may affect Aurora and Quirino from Sunday evening to Monday evening. Article continues after this advertisementThe state weather bureau also cautioned residents in these areas of widespread severe flooding and landslides. Meanwhile, heavy to intense rains (ranging from 100 to 200 mm) may be seen in the following parts of Luzon during the same forecast period:Nueva EcijaBenguetIfugaoKalingaMountain ProvinceNueva VizcayaIsabelaAccording to Pagasa, areas which are urbanized, low-lying, or situated near rivers are at risk of frequent flooding due to heavy and intense rains brought by Pepito. Article continues after this advertisementREAD: LIST: Class suspensions on Nov. 18 due to Super Typhoon Pepito
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 17, 2024 19:32 UTC
Police officer helps woman give birth in Catanduanes amid Pepito
MANILA, Philippines — A police, who is also a registered midwife, assisted a woman in giving birth to a healthy baby boy in Catanduanes province on Sunday amid the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi). READ: Pepito makes landfall in CatanduanesOn the other hand, PNP said its personnel in the Bicol Region continue to assist with the clearing operations in areas affected by Pepito. Pepito was last spotted over the coastal waters of San Fernando, La Union, according to the state weather bureau. The typhoon is moving 25 kilometers per hour (km/h), carrying maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h and gusts of up to 255 km/h. Pepito is expected to exit the Philippine area of Responsibility on Monday morning or noon.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 17, 2024 19:22 UTC
Asia pivot: This time with feeling!
Asia pivot: This time with feeling! Barack Obama’s Asia pivot was a dud, as America was too preoccupied with Afghanistan and other Middle Eastern hotspots. Now, the United States may finally manage an honest-to-goodness Asia pivot as Trump’s new Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio, takes office. “Communist China is not, and will never be, a friend to democratic nations,” Rubio wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in August. “In 2016, the United Nations rejected China’s claim to the Philippines’ historically recognized territory in the South China Sea.
Source:Philippine Star
November 17, 2024 19:04 UTC
India tests first hypersonic missile
NEW DELHI — Nuclear-armed India has tested its first hypersonic missile, the defense minister said Sunday, publicizing the super-fast high-tech weapon days after rival China showcased its latest military aviation powers. The United States, Russia, China and North Korea have all tested hypersonic missiles, and several others are developing the technology. "India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting flight trial of long range hypersonic missile," Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh said in a statement. New Delhi has deepened defense cooperation with Western countries in recent years, including in the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan and Australia. AdvertisementIndia is also a major buyer of Russian military hardware, including Moscow's S-400 missile defense system — despite the threat of US sanctions over the multi-billion dollar deal.
Source:Manila Times
November 17, 2024 16:18 UTC
Is Earth really not worth saving?
THE 29th United Nations Climate Conference is underway in Baku, Azerbaijan. As Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama pointed out, "Our speeches, full of good words about fighting climate change, change nothing." "Our civilization is at a great risk as we continue to promote self-destructive values," Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh pointed out. Civil society groups across the globe are preparing for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on a Global Plastics Treaty. However, precise information is rarely available, making proper and safe management of plastic waste impossible.
Source:Manila Times
November 17, 2024 16:17 UTC
The December 2024 priority dates
The December 2024 priority datesEach month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month for the various family and employment-based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off dates listed below in the Visa Issuance or Final Action Date column. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the US), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. Caution: if your Final Action/Visa Issuance date has been current for more than a year and you were notified by the NVC but you did not respond, you could risk your case being canceled or terminated. The priority dates for the Philippines for December 2024 are:* * *WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.comFollow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, YouTube: US Immigration TV and Instagram.com/gurfinkellawFour offices to serve you: Los Angeles; San Francisco; New York: Toll free number: 1-866-GURFINKEL (1-866-487-3465); Philippines: +632 88940258 or +632 88940239
Source:Philippine Star
November 17, 2024 10:02 UTC
Hospital blaze kills 10 newborns in north India
(UPDATE) LUCKNOW, India — A fire at the neonatal unit of a hospital in northern India killed 10 newborns, authorities said on Saturday, with another 16 clinging to life after a blaze blamed on a faulty oxygen machine. Babies rescued from the fire, all only days old, were laid side by side on a bed elsewhere in the hospital as hospital staff hooked up their arms to intravenous drips. "All children rescued are safe and getting medical attention," Singh told Agence France-Presse (AFP). Advertisement'War footing'Pathak said a safety audit of the hospital was carried out in February, followed by a fire drill three months later. Friday's fire comes six months after a similar blaze at a children's hospital in New Delhi that killed six newborns.
Source:Manila Times
November 17, 2024 04:11 UTC
WATCH: From Dreams to Reality: The journey of Gemarie Gamas
Growing up as part of the Mansaka tribe, Gemarie Gamas always dreamed of exploring his potential beyond the horizons of his hometown. His journey began at Tagum National High School, where he penned his ambition to become an international painter. Fast forward to today, Gemarie has not only made a name for himself in the art world but has also dedicated his life to helping others discover their own legacies. His story is a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and the importance of uplifting our communities. 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
Source:Manila Times
November 17, 2024 03:32 UTC
Fuel price cuts expected next week
MANILA, Philippines — Fuel retailers are seen to cut the prices of petroleum products next week following developments in foreign markets, an energy official said. Rodela Romero, director of the Department of Energy (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau, said the per-liter prices of gasoline may be cut by 70 centavos to P1. Up to 80 centavos reduction in the per-liter price of kerosene is also expected. The US Energy Information Administration also slashed its 2025 crude price forecast due to the projected increase in oil production. Last week, oil companies imposed up to a P2.10 per liter increase in pump prices.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 17, 2024 03:12 UTC
14-wheeler truck and other vehicles collide in Pasig City Sunday morning
MANILA, Philippines — A 14-wheeler truck and several other vehicles got involved in a collision along the Ortigas Lanuza intersection in Pasig City on Sunday morning, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said. The incident occurred at 4:39 a.m. Article continues after this advertisementNo further details are available yet. Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, the Pasig City government advised motorists of a traffic buildup in the area. Personnel from the MMDA and Traffic and Parking Management Office of Pasig City are already on site to respond, it added.a
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 17, 2024 03:03 UTC