PAREX and sustainable green infrastructure
PAREX and sustainable green infrastructureOne thing that most Filipinos have historically been wary of is change. This is what San Miguel Corp. (SMC), headed by Ramon S. Ang, is presenting when they recently broke ground on the new Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) project – the country’s first green, hybrid expressway. SMC is also undertaking a P2-billion initiative to clean up and rehabilitate the Pasig River. The PAREX project is providing several integral benefits to the country while being responsible and cautious about the environmental and cultural impact of the project at the same time. The PAREX is another project that seeks to uplift the Philippines and help Filipinos.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 16:12 UTC
Australia, PNG to end asylum deal
SYDNEY: A longstanding deal that saw Australia detain asylum seekers in an offshore camp in Papua New Guinea will be scrapped, the two countries announced on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Australia and PNG announced their so-called "regional resettlement arrangement" would officially end on December 31. In a joint statement, Australia and PNG said finalizing their deal would realize "a long shared objective." "From Jan. 1, 2022, the PNG government will assume full management of regional processing services in PNG and full responsibility for those who remain," the statement said. "PNG will provide a permanent migration pathway for those wishing to remain in PNG — including access to citizenship, long-term support, settlement packages and family reunification."
Source:Manila Times
October 06, 2021 16:07 UTC
Educators group vies for House post
The educators' group aims to represent the private education sector and strengthen the public-private school complementarity in the education system, Estrada said. Estrada pledged to work to provide assistance to students, teachers and small, struggling private schools to ensure learning continuity. During the launch of the party-list on Tuesday, members of the ESC rallied for support to enable the group to secure a seat at the House of Representatives. "If we want change in government, change in leadership and change in the world, then let us look within ourselves. Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities President and former Cocopea president Dr. Lourdes Almeda-Sese threw her support behind the new group.
Source:Manila Times
October 06, 2021 16:07 UTC
Opportunities for higher ed in EU open to Pinoys
Take your higher education in the European Union. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOTHE European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2021 was the biggest of its kind in the Philippines as it gave Filipino students, academicians, researchers and university officials the opportunity to connect directly with world-class higher education institutions from across the European Union. "The EHEF 2021 promotes the diversity and excellence of higher education in the EU," said EU Ambassador Luc Veron. "Useful, practical and comprehensive information about the different mobility initiatives and distinctive higher education programs will be available at your fingertips." Tomas, University of the Cordilleras, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Mabalacat City College, St Louis University, Rizal Technological University, Trinity University of Asia, Ateneo de Manila University, Visayas State University, Jose Rizal Memorial State University and Mindanao State University's (Marawi) College of Public Affairs.
Source:Manila Times
October 06, 2021 16:07 UTC
Fil-Am social media influencer appears on Playboy digital cover
Fil-Am social media influencer appears on Playboy digital coverMANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American social media personality Bretman “Da Baddest” Rock has landed on the cover of Playboy magazine’s digital edition this month, making history as the first openly gay man to appear on the cover. Playboy magazine posted on its social media accounts the photos and video with Rock donning the iconic Playboy bunny suit photographed by Brian Ziff. “For Playboy to have a male on the cover is a huge deal for the LGBT community, for my brown people community and it’s all so surreal. Playboy has received “a lot of great comments, but far too many offensive ones as well” since posting Rock as their cover model. Born in the Philippines, Rock is now based in Honolulu, Hawaii where he does viral beauty tutorials and entertainment vlogs.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 15:56 UTC
Better trade facilitation to aid in economic recovery
Better trade facilitation to aid in economic recoveryMANILA, Philippines — Streamlining trade procedures will significantly aid economic recovery in the Asia-Pacific amid challenges in the global value chain due to the pandemic, a joint report with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) noted. The updated Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Report 2021 of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and ADB showed that the implementation of general and digital trade facilitation measures across the region rose to almost 65 percent. To generate a score, five categories are taken into account including cross-border paperless trade, paperless trade, institutional arrangement and cooperation, formalities and transparency. ADB vice president for knowledge management and sustainable development Bambang Susantono said that while economic recovery is underway, it remains precarious and uncertain amid the continued emergence of new COVID variants. “The disruptions of the outbreak have also underscored the important role trade facilitation plays in economies and will play in the recovery,” Susantono said.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 15:56 UTC
Palace-Senate feud and its implications
Palace-Senate feud and its implicationsThe Philippine Bar Association, the oldest national organization of lawyers established in 1891, has expressed grave concern over recent orders of President Duterte that in effect obstruct the Senate inquiry into transactions related to the government response to the pandemic. We reprint below the full PBA statement to help readers, most of whom are not lawyers, understand better the Malacañang-Senate feud as well as its legal context and socio-political implications. We view the verbal directive as an undue impairment of legislative prerogatives and violates the doctrine of separation of powers. We appeal for President Duterte, a brother in the legal profession, to IMMEDIATELY RECALL his twin directives that in our view constitute clear violations of our Constitution. We must all stand and denounce any act of political expediency that erodes the Rule of Law.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 15:56 UTC
BSP finalizing prudential requirements for digital banks
BSP finalizing prudential requirements for digital banksIn a draft circular, the regulator said digital banks would be subject to all prudential requirements but not limited to corporate governance, risk management particularly on information technology and cybersecurity as well as outsourcing and consumer protection. Under corporate governance, the central bank said digital banks that are part of conglomerates should also constitute a related third party committee. The provisions will not apply to digital banks that are subsidiaries of universal and big banks. The regulator also intends to require existing banks that already meet the definition of a digital bank to convert their existing banking license to digital banking license. The central bank has granted digital banking licenses to Overseas Filipino Bank of state-run Land Bank of the Philippines, Tonik Digital Bank, UNObank, Union Digital Bank of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines, GOtyme – a joint venture between the Gokongwei Group and Singapore-based digital bank Tyme, and Maya Bank of PLDT’s Voyager Innovations and PayMaya Philippines.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 15:56 UTC
4 hospitals allowed to use molnupiravir to treat COVID-19
4 hospitals allowed to use molnupiravir to treat COVID-19This handout photo obtained May 26, 2021, courtesy of Pharmaceutical company Merck shows capsules of the experimental antiviral drug Molnupiravir. FDA director general Eric Domingo said molnupiravir, an investigational antiviral drug to treat COVID-19, can now be applied for CSP with his agency. As COVID-19 cases continue to increase, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. expanded its benefit packages for Level 1 hospitals nationwide. 2021-037, PhilHealth said claims may now be made by Level 1 hospitals for moderate COVID-19 pneumonia cases. The PhiHealth advisory noted that severe and critical COVID-19 cases shall only be reimbursed in Level 2 and Level 3 hospitals, “until further notice
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 15:56 UTC
MVPSF bolsters support for lady booters
MVPSF bolsters support for lady bootersMANILA, Philippines — PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), through the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF), bolster their support for the Philippine women’s national football team after its stellar performance at the recent Asian Cup qualifiers. “We are very proud of our women’s national football team who demonstrated their strength, resilience, and determination to win despite the challenges brought about by the global pandemic. The MVPSF has been supporting the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) through its various programs. The foundation then began its support of the PFF’s women’s national team program when the organization decided to invest in talent identification of heritage Filipinas playing in the United States. PLDT, Smart, and the MVPSF have always been at the forefront of sports development in the Philippines by empowering Filipino athletes as they represent the country in competitions worldwide.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 15:56 UTC
All set for start of pediatric jabs
All set for start of pediatric jabsHealth workers continue the inoculation of second dose of Sinovac vaccine to residents at mega vaccination site in Marikina Sports Center on July 13, 2021. MANILA, Philippines — With the necessary operation guidelines drafted, all is set for the inoculation of minors aged 12 to 17 against COVID-19, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said yesterday. The Philippines has secured a total of 187.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for 2021, of which 77.4 million doses have been delivered since February and 31 million of these currently stockpiled. The NTF’s goal now is to sustain a vaccination rate of 600,000 to 800,000 jabs daily by yearend. At present, negotiations are underway with four manufacturers for the procurement of 90 to 100 million doses, he said.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 15:56 UTC
ACEN starts operations of power plant in Pililia
ACEN starts operations of power plant in PililiaMANILA, Philippines — AC Energy Corp. (ACEN) is bumping up the Luzon grid’s supply by 150 megawatts (MW) with the commercial operations of its diesel plant in Pililia, Rizal. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday, ACEN said its 150-MW quick response diesel power plant in Pililla, Rizal is expected to help remediate the spate of power supply disruptions and augment the energy supply amidst the Malampaya shutdown by starting to supply essential peaking and reserve power. The P1.9-billion diesel fired power plant is a joint venture project with Axia Power Holdings Philippines Corp., a subsidiary of Japan-based Marubeni Corp.To ensure high availability for the plant, a UK-based company Aggreko installed 162 units of diesel generators, providing enough spare capacity. The 150-MW diesel plant is the third plant to be switched on by ACEN in the Philippines this year, behind the 120-MW GigaSol Alaminos in Laguna and the 63 MW GigaSol Palauig in Zambales. ACEN aspires to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia, and is on track to attain its goal of reaching 5,000 MW of renewables capacity by 2025.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 15:56 UTC
OCTA: COVID-19 cases declining
OCTA: COVID-19 cases decliningCommuters line-up at the Roosevelt EDSA Bus Carousel station during a Monday morning rush hour in Quezon City on Oct. 4, 2021. MANILA, Philippines — The average number of new COVID-19 cases continued to decline across the country over the past week, a member of OCTA Research said. “At the current pace, the seven-day average of new cases could decrease to less than 10,000 per day by the next week,” said David. The number of new COVID-19 cases dropped to less than 10,000 on Tuesday, with the DOH reporting 9,055 new cases. Metro Manila still recorded the bulk of cases with 1,755, with Isabela logging the highest new cases among provinces with 725.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 15:56 UTC
Duterte threatens to jail senators if they cite Cabinet execs for contempt
“If they cite you for contempt, I will jail the senators,” Duterte added. In a previous briefing, Duterte warned of a constitutional crisis if senators would be rude to Cabinet members during hearings. READ: Duterte warns of ‘crisis’ if Senate would be ‘rude’ to Cabinet during hearingHe has also signed a memorandum barring Cabinet officials from attending Senate hearings on the Pharmally contracts. READ: Duterte issues memo forbidding Cabinet execs from attending Pharmally probeIn his briefing, Duterte also said no police or military personnel would follow Senate orders. READ: Duterte to police, military: Don’t arrest anyone ignoring Senate’s subpoenaATMSubscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 06, 2021 14:37 UTC
COVID-19 recovery: Philippines scores last in Nikkei global index
COVID-19 recovery: Philippines scores last in Nikkei global indexCommuters line-up at the Roosevelt EDSA Bus Carousel station during a Monday morning rush hour in Quezon City on Oct. 4, 2021. MANILA, Philippines — A global coronavirus recovery index ranked the Philippines the country furthest from overcoming the pandemic, falling behind a total of 120 nations and areas. Nikkei’s COVID-19 Recovery Index scores countries and regions on infection management, vaccination rollout and programs, and social mobility. The Philippines earned the 121st spot, falling one spot below its ranking from the previous edition of the index released last month. Meanwhile, only 20.54% of Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 even as health experts have said that 90% of the population must be vaccinated to attain herd immunity.
Source:Philippine Star
October 06, 2021 13:29 UTC