Pagasa monitors cloud clusters in Mindanao

By Arlie O. Calalo, Manila Times

February 5, 2024

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Monday said it is monitoring cloud clusters that could bring rain in Mindanao in the next 24 hours.

Weather specialist Robert Badrina said however, that these cloud formations were unlikely to develop into a low pressure area.

"Based on Pagasa's data and analysis, there is no storm that would likely form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility until over the weekend," he said, adding that most parts of the country will have fair weather.

In its 5 a.m. advisory, Pagasa said that the easterlies and northeast monsoon locally known as "amihan" are affecting the eastern section of the country and extreme Northern Luzon.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to overcast skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

PH may experience first storm in Feb, to be named 'Aghon' – Pagasa

By Arlie O. Calalo, Manila Times

February 1, 2024 

MANILA, Philippines: The country may experience its first storm of the year in February, that is if the low pressure rea (LPA) spotted in the vicinity of General Santos City would intensify into a tropical depression as it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the state-run weather bureau said on Thursday.

Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja said that once the tropical cyclone enters the country, it will be named "Aghon."

As of posting time, the LPA is some 195 southwest of General Santos City. Estareja said, however, that the LPA has a "very slim chance of intensifying into a tropical depression and entering PAR in the coming days." However, its trough or extension is affecting areas in Mindanao and Visayas where scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms would be likely over the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said in its 5 a.m. advisory.

The northeast monsoon or "amihan" is bringing partly cloudy to overcast skies with isolated light rains over Luzon, including Metro Manila, Estareja said.

"It would still be generally fair weather in most parts of Luzon except for scattered downpours and thunderstorms in the afternoon or at night," Estareja said.

Davao logs 170 flu-like illnesses

By Ruth Palo

January 21, 2024 

DAVAO CITY: The City Health Office (CHO) has recorded 170 influenza-like illnesses (ILI) since New Year's Day.

Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, officer in charge of the CHO, said that the symptoms of ILIs include coughs and colds, which are very common during the rainy season.

Ababon said that the CHO and the Department of Health recommend that Davaoeños, especially those with comorbidity, observe the minimum health requirements to avoid getting ill.

"If you are not feeling well, stay at home, and in case you go out, wear a well-fitted mask, observe proper distancing; these are the minimum health standards imposed in the city," he said in a weekly media forum.

Most people recover from the illness within a week without requiring medical attention. However, ILIs can cause severe illness or death, especially in people at high risk.

Ababon also said the CHO has administered close to 10,000 vials of flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine in the past year.

Ababon, however, admitted that the supply of these vaccines is running low, and the remaining vials are intended for senior citizens.

He said the vaccines for senior citizens are available in all district health centers and barangay health centers.

Chaos: Choice and chance for change?

 

By Dr. Carl E. Balita

THERE is just so much chaos in the global and in Philippine politics with so many moving parts that exhaust many of us. Polarized politicians have become more interesting than any showbiz break-up stories. The twists are becoming more mind-boggling and sometimes unbelievable. The characters in these dramatic exercises seem to be good actors with multiple directors and scriptwriters. But its horrors are frightening because its effects are felt and real.

Where is all this chaos taking us? With what prism should we see this chaos?

The chaos theory provides a lens to understand the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity that often define the political dynamics. This article explores intriguing nonlinear dynamics and unforeseen consequences that govern various disciplines, including politics.

Theories are simply organized concepts and constructs that describe and explain (and some, predict) a phenomenon. Theoretical development and applications are interesting cognitive activities in science as it asserts that practice without theory is blind and that theory without practice is empty.

Chaos theory

In the 1960s, Edward Lorenz, a meteorologist at MIT, while studying long-term weather patterns, had a breakthrough discovery that tiny differences in initial conditions could lead to drastically different outcomes in weather simulations. This was termed "the butterfly effect" that highlighted the inherent sensitivity of complex systems to seemingly insignificant triggers. This sowed the seeds of chaos theory that sparked the theory development and practical applications.

The understanding of the universality of chaotic systems expanded with scientists Mitchell Feigenbaum, David Ruelleand and author James Gleick.

Chaos theory challenges the traditional Newtonian view of a deterministic universe governed by predictable laws as it reveals that intricate, nonlinear systems like the weather exhibit sensitive dependence on initial conditions. It asserts that even the tiniest shift in starting points can have drastically different outcomes, making long-term forecasts practically impossible.

Chaos theory has found intriguing applications in the arena of politics with Suay Nilhan Açıkali, William Henderson and Rafael Reyes — political scientists who explored and highlighted its potential for understanding political instability, volatile social movements, unpredictable dynamics, and even toward more informed and adaptable strategies.

Chaos theory seems to make sense of seemingly unpredictable phenomena in both the natural world and politics. It makes us move beyond the simplistic narratives and perspectives, and linear interpretations and inferences, especially in politics that we watch and engage in our own ways, as we are characters as well in this drama series.

Chaos through philosophical lens

Given the historical and contextual gaps, the classical philosophies of Aristotle and Plato recognize such chaos. With caution not to risk anachronism (a chronological inconsistency in some arrangement in a time period to which it does not belong), this part is just to appreciate the wisdom of these wise philosophers whose classic thoughts are seldom out of time.

The intention is not to force-fit a modern scientific theory onto ancient thought but to explore potential alignments. This may trigger deeper reflection on both and then gain a richer introspection and circumspection of the complexities in understanding the universe, randomness, order and unforeseen consequences.

Plato's allegory of the cave emphasized on the limited perceptions and the potential for unexpected enlightenment, which in the chaos theory is the notion of sensitive dependence on initial conditions. The journey out of the cave, a seemingly insignificant shift in perspective, can dramatically alter one's understanding of reality. There is also the theory of forms which emphasizes on unchanging ideal forms behind the ever-changing world of appearances.

The chaos theory's randomness and unpredictability seem to be at odds with Aristotle's concept of teleology, where all things strive toward a predetermined goal. However, Aristotle also acknowledged the existence of contingency, where certain events occur by chance without being predetermined which is parallel with the idea of attractors in chaos theory, where systems tend to gravitate toward certain stable states despite unpredictable fluctuations.

There is resonance with chaos theory's holistic approach and Aristotle's emphasis on studying nature in its complex entirety, rather than breaking it down into isolated parts. The understanding that complex systems exhibit unpredictable behavior not readily deducible from individual components is anchored on Aristotle's concept of emergence, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

We may still look into other classical philosophers like Heraclitus, who emphasized flux and change, and Zeno of Elea, who explored paradoxes related to infinity and motion. But suffice it to say that times may have changed but there are available frameworks to view the choreography of human affairs and the intricate dance of humanity in the harmony of the universe across time.

Critics of chaos theory

Chaos theory, as any theory, is not immune to criticism. Its oversimplification of complex systems and its limited empirical applications make it a target of criticisms. Of course, the chaos theory's mathematical models struggle to capture the nuances of human behavior, cultural dynamics and specific historical contexts.

Political psychologist Sarah Khan claims that chaos theory is "a seductive intellectual trap, offering the illusion of scientific rigor while obfuscating the real sources of political instability." This makes its application to the complex realities like political systems similar to predicting the weather with a coin toss, in the words of political theorist Mark Robinson. The interesting metaphors ultimately fail to provide concrete tools for understanding or influencing political events, as international relations expert David Stern puts it.

Sociologist Anna Martinez good-humoredly says that focusing on butterflies flapping their wings distracts us from the real drivers of political change, such as economic inequality and social movements. Political activist Thomas Lee warns that overreliance on chaos theory can lead to fatalistic attitudes, discouraging engagement in political action and reinforcing the status quo.

Nascent as it may be, chaos theory, however, offers a valuable framework for appreciating the inherent unpredictability of political landscapes and encourages a more open-minded approach to understanding political dynamics.

Chaos, so what?

The iconic metaphor of chaos theory translates to a butterfly flapping its wings in Malacañang potentially causing a hurricane in Batanes and Jolo, or even the lives of the overseas Filipinos.

Political analyses are not futile. As chaos theory doesn't eliminate order; it unveils hidden patterns within apparent randomness. Despite unpredictable variations, we can still identify areas in the political landscape where systems tend to gravitate, which key factors may influence informed policy decisions and strategic planning.

We may analyze the rise and fall of revolutions to be able to predict the tipping points for significant change or identifying vulnerabilities within seemingly stable regimes, as we have seen in our history. We may learn caution and nuanced diplomatic approaches when we recognize the sensitive dependence of international alliances and conflicts, similar to what we are experiencing these days. Understanding the influence of small events, like a viral social media video, and individual decision, like change of political party, within a broader sociopolitical context may enable us to analyze electoral behaviors.

By demystifying the inherent unpredictability and recognizing the interconnectedness of the invisible threads that bind seemingly disparate events, we can gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating, chaotic dance that is politics. Chaos theory is not a crystal ball that captures even the snapshots of Philippine politics. In the words of the 77-year-old social scientist professor Clarita Carlos, chaos theory is only one of the structures of explanation in social science. It is another prism for viewing political life. After all, the chaos noted is really the unknowns' unknown in our political life.

Has chaos theory provided powerful explanations for many aspects of our political lives? Amid chaos, do we stand a chance for change? The choice is ours. Let us flap our wings. Together.

Red Cross helps flood victims in Davao Region

By The Manila Times

January 18, 2024 10

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), through its Davao de Oro Chapter, rescued 34 families composed of 98 individuals stranded in their houses in Barangay Magading in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, and brought them to a nearby evacuation center in the same barangay for food and other humanitarian assistance on Tuesday, January 16.

Over 1,000 families in Davao Region are temporarily staying in evacuation centers due to flooding triggered by heavy rains since Monday, January 15.

PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard "Dick" Gordon said that the humanitarian organization is strengthening and equipping its chapters nationwide in anticipation of tropical cyclones that will traverse the country in the coming months.

"Palaging naka-alerto ang aming mga chapters sa buong bansa upang agarang rumesponde sa mga kababayan nating magiging biktima ng bagyo o pagbaha (Our PRC chapters nationwide are always on alert to respond to our countrymen, whether they are victims of typhoon or flooding)," said Gordon.

PRC Davao de Oro Chapter earlier deployed a water search and rescue team with five personnel in the municipality of Nabunturan to assist the local government unit in evacuating families after several roads remain impassable due to landslides and floods.

RC143 volunteers in Davao Region are currently serving lomi soup in evacuation centers in Barangay Sasa in Davao City and Barangay Dawis in Nabunturan Davao de Oro.

PRC secretary-general Gwen Pang mentioned that volunteers and staff from PRC chapters in other affected areas, such as the ones in South Cotabato and Cotabato City, are currently monitoring the situations of their areas of responsibility.

More climate bad news for the new year

By Ben Kritz, Manila Times

January 18, 2024 70

WE are not yet three weeks into 2024, and already there have been two unexpected pieces of incredibly bad news on the climate change front. The first was the global temperature data for 2023 from the EU Copernicus program, which showed that crossing the "red line" limit of a 1.5-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures over the pre-industrial average is not, in fact, something that is five or six years in the future but is already happening. The second was a nasty surprise in the form of a research study published on January 2, which revealed that the world's soils, long assumed to be an important carbon dioxide (CO2) absorber, are actually releasing CO2 into the atmosphere at a frightening rate.

The study entitled "Projected soil carbon loss with warming in constrained Earth system models" was led by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and published in the journal Nature Communications. It is accessible online without a subscription — a bit of a rarity, in that respect — at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44433-2. It is not a long paper, but it is rather heavy reading, so I'll provide a simplified explanation.

Soil absorbs CO2 in considerable quantities from dead plant matter; all of the CO2 taken in by trees, grasses and other plants is carried into the ground when leaves and branches fall, harvested crop plants are tilled under, and so on. The CO2 is eventually released through microbial action as bacteria and other microorganisms break down the plant matter, but it is a slow, gradual process; the soil takes in much more CO2 than it releases over any given period of time.

Or that's what climate scientists have assumed, based on experimental data done years ago; this assumption, in the form of average rates of soil CO2 absorption, has found its way into most climate models. From those models, we get our estimates of the rate of CO2 buildup in the atmosphere, the rise in global average temperature as a result, and the "carbon budget" — the amount of CO2 mankind can still emit before temperature thresholds such as +1.5 C or +2.0 C would be exceeded.

Unfortunately, the latest research has demonstrated the assumption is dead wrong and did so by gathering real-world data from soil samples taken at 366 sites around the world, covering all the various types of landscapes: different types of forests, grasslands, wetlands, croplands, tundra, and so on. The new data thus provided a "constraint" to the climate models, observed data that could be substituted for the older, mostly assumed soil CO2 absorption and release factors.

The results were not good. In the current climate models based on what could be considered a reasonably likely "average" scenario — mild to moderate global warming of something like 1.5-2.0 C, or in other words, the current aspirational goal of most climate policy — it is assumed that soil absorption would remove about 30 billion metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere by the end of the century. Plugging the new data into the models, however, completely reverses that, showing that CO2 "turnover" will actually release about 19 billion metric tons of CO2 over the same time span.

The most important immediate consequence of this is that it means that the "carbon budget" is an overestimate by about 66 percent. Until now, the carbon budget was six years, meaning that we could continue to emit CO2 into the atmosphere at the current rate for only another six years before the 1.5 C limit is exceeded (for the mostly political purposes of the 2015 Paris Agreement, the limit is considered as a 10- to 20-year average, rather than a point). With the latest findings, that deadline has been cut to two years.

It gets worse, however; that new estimate does not take into account the latest Copernicus temperature data, which showed that Earth's temperature actually stepped over the line — or at least stepped right on it — last year. Global average temperatures for all of 2023 were 1.48 C above the 1850-1900 average, and the temperature on every day of the year was at least 1.0 C above that average, with more than 180 days exceeding 1.5 C over the average. Two days in November exceeded +2.0 C over the pre-industrial average, and November's average temperature was 1.69 C over the pre-industrial average for the month. December was even warmer, at +1.78 C.

Ironically, or perhaps not, the current temperature trajectory is very close to that predicted by climate research conducted — and kept secret from the public for decades — by the petroleum industry's CO2 and Climate Task Force in 1980. That research, which has so far been demonstrated to be extremely accurate in other contexts, predicted a 2.5 C temperature rise by 2038.

The scientists who conducted the recent soil research also pointed out that warmer temperatures will tend to accelerate soil CO2 release. The soil microbes that release the CO2 trapped in plant matter as they go about their little microbe business thrive in warmer conditions, and so the "most plausible" estimate of 19 billion metric tons of CO2 added from soil emissions by the end of the century could be as high as 45 billion metric tons.

I suppose the natural question at this point is, "What now?" Don't ask me, man, I just work here. But I do think these latest findings are a further call, nay, imperative demand for climate advocates, policymakers and institutions to pull their heads out of the clouds, resign themselves to living in the present day, and dispense with the laughably, desperately outdated messaging that "we need to take action to keep global warming under 1.5 C before it's too late." It's already too late, and has probably been too late for a long time.

ben.kritz@manilatimes.net

PH storm-free until weekend – Pagasa

y Arlie O. Calalo

January 18, 2024

MANILA, Philippines: The state-run weather agency said on Thursday that it has not monitored any tropical cyclone or low pressure area forming or entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) until over the weekend.

"It would be another generally fair weather in most parts of the country except for isolated or scattered downpours and thunderstorms in the afternoon or at night," weather specialist Benison Estareja of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Citing the agency's data and analysis, the Pagasa forecaster said there would be no storm inside or outside PAR at least until weekend.

He said the shear line –where the hot and cold air converge – will continue to dump rain, especially in the eastern section of Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Pagasa in its 5 a.m. advisory said the northeast monsoon or "amihan" is affecting Luzon, including Metro Manila and the Visayas where overcast skies with isolated light rain may prevail over the next 24 hours.

The state weather bureau said the rest of Mindanao would likely have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rain showers or thunderstorms due to the localized thunderstorms.

Love in the making

 How the 'Anyone But You' cast prepped for their rom-com roles

The cast of ‘Anyone But You’ at the New York premiere of the film in December 2023 (from left) Joe Davidson, Glen Powell, Dermot Mulroney, Alexandra Shipp, director Will Gluck, Charlee Fraser, Sydney Sweeney, Michelle Hurd, and Darren Barnet. PHOTO COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES

Get ready to be charmed by Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, and the rest of the cast of "Anyone But You," which opens today in cinemas nationwide. But first, find out how they prepared to play their roles in director Will Gluck's new romantic comedy.

In "Anyone But You," Sweeney ("Euphoria") and Powell ("Top Gun: Maverick") play romantic enemies Bea and Ben, respectively, who have to put aside their personal vendettas and pretend to be a head-over-heels couple to keep the peace at Bea's sister's wedding. The film also stars Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown, Charlee Fraser, Joe Davidson, and GaTa.

Work hard at working out

"I didn't realize how naked I would be [in the movie]," shares Powell, who plays Ben. "I knew it was a rom-com, which meant I should stay away from the beer for a bit. But I didn't expect to be this naked, this often. I kept weights and resistance bands in my trailer that I would break out on certain days, just to keep everything looking good."

Joe Davidson, who plays the boyfriend of the woman Ben is truly after, was traveling in Tasmania when his agent called with the news that Gluck wished to meet with him in Sydney. "It said specifically in the email that Beau must be big and strong, and I'd just spent a few weeks in Tasmania traveling around, so I wasn't in peak physical condition at all," recalls Davidson. "I headed up to Sydney and went into a KMart, grabbed two dumbbells, and started a little workout. I did sit-ups, and everyone was like, 'What's this guy doing?' I did a 30-min Kmart workout, then headed in for my audition."

Disease threat from climate change must be addressed

By The Editorial Board

January 17, 2024 70

PUBLIC health experts are becoming increasingly alarmed at the spread of tropical diseases driven by climate change, both in terms of their appearance in new regions and their increase in occurrences in tropical regions where they are already prevalent. The reports from data collected for 2023 are disturbing and strongly suggest that our own health authorities must take a more proactive approach to identifying and preventing diseases such as dengue fever and infections from bacteria.

The problem is getting the most attention from countries such as the US simply because cases of diseases associated with tropical conditions are beginning to appear in numbers there. In October, two cases of locally transmitted dengue infection were recorded for the first time ever in California; prior to that, all cases of dengue that appeared in the US were in people who had been infected in other countries. There have been numerous cases of infection in the US from the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, a pathogen that thrives in warm water and is sometimes associated with so-called red tide algal blooms; at least 17 deaths were recorded in 2023, with a couple of those occurring as far north as New York and Connecticut.

There have also been increases in the number of heretofore exceedingly rare tropical infections, such as the nearly always fatal Naegleria fowleri, also known as the "brain-eating amoeba"; coccidioidomycosis, also known as "Valley fever," a fungal respiratory infection; and infections from the lone star tick. The latter is at least one dangerous pest that we do not have to fear here in the Philippines as of now, as it is endemic to warm areas of the southern US and Central America, but we should be cautious about preventing it from arriving here accidentally, such as in cargo shipments; the most common lasting health effect it inflicts on its victims is a lifelong allergy to red meat.

Elsewhere, in South and Southeast Asia, most of Africa, and Central and South America, health authorities have also reported what seems to be a steady rise in the incidence of diseases associated with warmer climate conditions, some of the ones described above as well as other dangerous infections such as malaria. There is also some evidence to suggest that warmer conditions are contributing to a rise in cases of tuberculosis in many tropical countries, including the Philippines.

Researchers have explained that the warming climate is helping diseases thrive and spread to new areas for two main reasons. The first is obvious; most pathogens and their vectors (such as mosquitoes) thrive in warm conditions. The second reason is the changes in patterns of human movement and habits due to hotter conditions. People are simply more likely to expose themselves to diseases, especially waterborne infections, by seeking to keep cool in hot weather or through unintentional means such as being exposed to floodwaters.

Despite their understandable concern, researchers have said that the trend in the increasing numbers and geographical spread of tropical infections is not surprising. Since the problem is being driven by global warming, it is expected to become progressively worse. That is certainly not at all an encouraging outlook, but awareness of the problem does suggest a way in which public health authorities can manage it effectively. However, it will require a substantial shift in the approach to addressing disease incidence, from responding to outbreaks to anticipating them.

Put another way, health officials cannot simply wait for diseases to appear but should apply effort in seeking out the potential infectious agents and the conditions that allow them to thrive. This is already done in some ways, such as the occasional campaigns to educate the public and clean up stagnant bodies of water that can harbor disease-carrying mosquitoes, but these types of initiatives must be expanded and carried out even in the absence of any actual cases of infection.

At the same time, the monitoring and treatment of tropical disease cases should be reviewed and strengthened. The public health system will need to be able to effectively handle the inevitable increase in disease cases, as well as to ensure prompt identification of potential new problem areas that might be revealed by cases of infection, even if there are only one or two victims.

Davaoeños urged to follow 8 rules

By Philippine News Agency

January 5, 2024 40

DAVAO CITY: The city government has called on residents to observe road discipline and community safety through eight rules as the new year starts.

The local government said Davaoeños should adhere to the use of pedestrian lanes for safe crossing of the streets to avoid "jaywalking penalties" as embodied under the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City.

"Secondly, the public should also use overpasses to ensure safe crossing of roads," the city government said in a statement Thursday.

It also emphasized the proper parking of vehicles in designated areas to avoid inconvenience to other motorists and ensure safe sidewalks for pedestrians.

Fourth on the list is the "don't drink and drive" rule under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law or RA 10586, and fifth is the observance of the city's Speed Limit Ordinance.

Meanwhile, for community safety, Davaoeños are urged to practice proper waste disposal in designated areas.

"Davaoeños are urged to avoid littering and to only throw waste in garbage cans," the statement said, adding that the measure aligns with the prevention of dengue under the locality's Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Prevention Program.

"If our environment is clean, we can lessen bacteria. Also, if our environment is clean we will not have open containers which can be a breeding place for mosquitos," Tomas Ababon, the city health officer in charge, said.

Davaoeños are also urged to follow the Anti-Nuisance Ordinance, which limits loud noise until 10 p.m.

PH fruit products exporter targets EU

By Jenica Faye Garcia, Manila Times

January 4, 2024

SOUTH Cotabato-based fruit products exporter Kablon Farms is aiming to expand its reach to the European Union with the extension of the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Wednesday.

"We would like to expand our product offering to the European Union ... The biggest challenge for us was relearning how to export other products to another country," Kablon Farms co-owner Leonor Pantua said in the DTI statement.

The company currently exports fruit-based products to Canada, Singapore, and several other countries, the Trade department said.

Based in Tupi, South Cotabato, Kablon Farms currently produces jams, jellies, tropical fruit purées, chocolate bars, juices, virgin coconut oil, and cacao butter, among others. It has three retail centers in South Cotabato and a distribution outlet in Davao that employs a total of 105 full-time workers.

Approximately 90 percent of Kablon Farms' revenues come from domestic sales in supermarkets, retail shops, other food manufacturers or end-users and online sales, while 10 percent comes from exports.

Given strong demand overseas for Philippine fruits and flavors, Pantua said the firm was targeting increased exports of cacao and cacao-based products.

The extension of the GSP+ "opens opportunities for us to market a wider range of products," she added.

"The EU market seems particularly attracted to the distinctive flavor of single-origin Philippine cacao."

At the same time, she urged Philippine businesses to continue to avail of the GSP privileges and expand exports and market access to the EU.

Last year, the European Commission had proposed the rollover of the current GSP+ program for another four years, lifting concerns that the Philippines could lose its trade privileges due to its failure to address a number of concerns.

The EU grants trade preferences to developing countries under the GSP facility to help grow trade, reduce poverty and support sustainable development via three schemes: Standard GSP, GSP+ and Everything But Arms or duty-free access for all goods except arms and ammunition.

The Philippines is covered by the GSP+ program, which involves having to comply with 27 international conventions relating to human rights and good governance, among others.

Imelda Papin unveils her biopic

Philippine Jukebox Queen and politician Imelda Papin (center) flanked by Claudine Barretto, who portrays her in the biopic (right), and Alice Dixon who was cast as former first lady Imelda Marcos.

By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola

December 6, 2023 20

Congratulations are due Philippine Jukebox Queen Imelda Papin for the successful premiere of her biographic film, "Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin."

Three entire cinemas were filled to capacity at SM Megamall in Pasig City with Papin's decades-long fans, friends, family and media eager to fill in certain gaps in the singer-turned-politician's life story.

Her biopic is titled "Loyalista" because it doesn't just follow her rise to fame from a humble fisherfolk family in Bicol, but also chronicles her support for the Marcos family, even after former strongman Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. was exiled to Hawaii in 1986.

Claudine Barretto was cast to portray Papin, alongside Gary Estrada as her husband Bong Carrion, ER Ejercito as Marcos, Sr., Alice Dixon as former first lady Imelda Marcos, and the singer's daughter Maffi Papin as herself.

The film was specially made to celebrate Papin's 45th year in the industry and took a year to make because of the research the project involved.

"All of the depictions here are true and not just speculation. They are drawn from my mother's childhood, development, and strong sense of loyalty, along her friendship with President Ferdinand Marcos and his thge First Lady all the way in Hawaii where we followed them in the '80s."

The movie revealed how Papin's life was endangered after the Marcoses left for Malacanang, given her widely known support for the political family. She lived in Hawaii for some time for her safety, where she continued to nurture her closeness with the former first couple and how they served as her inspiration to serve the Filipino people.

It has yet to be announced when "Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin" will hold its commercial screening.

PH bags four major travel awards

By  Moises Cruz

December 6, 2023 

(UPDATE) THE Philippines bagged four major awards at the World Travel Awards 2023 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on December 1 (Dubai Time).

For the first time, the Philippines received the Global Tourism Resilience Award for demonstrating "global leadership, pioneering vision and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity."

Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno received the Philippines' four awards from the World Travel Awards in a ceremony held in Dubai. PHOTO FROM DOT CENTRAL OFFICE 

Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno received the Philippines' four awards from the World Travel Awards in a ceremony held in Dubai. PHOTO FROM DOT CENTRAL OFFICE

As one of only five countries and destinations worldwide cited for this inaugural award, the Philippines and other "inaugural winners will serve as benchmarks for best practices in tourism resilience." The Philippines was also named the World's Leading Dive Destination and the World's Leading Beach Destination for the second time, defending the titles in 2022. For the first time, the Philippines was named the World's Leading City Destination for its capital, Manila.

"With these remarkable triumphs, the Philippines reinforces its position as an unparalleled destination, inviting travelers to explore our captivating shores, vibrant underwater realms and dynamic urban landscapes as they immerse in our culture and heritage, and create unforgettable memories with the distinct grace and hospitality of the Filipino people," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 30th annual World Travel Awards seeks to recognize achievements in travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

OPM greats gear up for 'YuleStars Christmas Concert Series'

(Clockwise from top left) Joey G, Angeline Quinto, Ogie Alcasid, Nina, Roselle Nava, Jose Mari Chan and Christian Bautista.)

Anticipation is building up as top OPM singers get ready for the YuleStars Christmas Concert Series, set on November 30, December 1 and December 2 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

Spearheaded by the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association (PMAAAI), the series stars Joey G and Angeline Quinto with special guest Ice Seguerra for the November 30 concert; Jose Mari Chan, Christian Bautista and Roselle Nava with the Kilyawan Consortium of Voices for the December 1 show; and Ogie Alcasid and Nina and special guest Ice Seguerra for the December 2 performance.

All artists are excited about their respective repertoire, and looking forward to present their musical numbers. "The fans will surely enjoy this concert and we will make sure to bring joy and Christmas feels to our audience," Quinto said.

"The audience can expect us to sing our love songs and beautiful Christmas songs," reiterated Alcasid.

Aside from the lineup of tunes (that singers usually get to sing only during this season), Nina said that YuleStars is significant to her for two reasons: "One, because it will be the first time Kuya Ogie and I will be together for a concert, two, it is with great pleasure that I get to share my music and talent for such a great cause."

Proceeds of the YuleStars Christmas Concert Series will go to the less fortunate members of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc, particularly the fallen and injured personnel and their families.

In separate video messages shown on the Philippine Military Academic Facebok FB page, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., encouraged military and civilians to support the concert series.

General Brawner said, "Giving and sharing are the true meaning of this season. The help that will be given through sponsorship or by watching the show will come a long way for PMAAAI to continue supporting its beneficiaries.

The YuleStars Christmas Concert Series tickets are available via Ticketworld.com.

'Filipino kids hit hard by climate change'

LUCKY BOYS Vice President Sara Duterte poses for a photo with two boys during the celebration of World Children’s Day on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

By Ma. Reina Leanne Tolentino

VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said climate change has hit Filipino children hard, thus the need to address the crisis.

"This year, let us acknowledge the urgent need to address the climate crisis — a threat that disproportionately impacts children and threatens their prospects. The climate crisis is a child rights crisis that affects children's lives, education and health. And climate change is hitting Filipino kids hard."

She said typhoons cause flooding, landslides and storm surges in high-risk areas, affecting children.

The vice president said the country ranked first in the World Risk Index for 2022.

From 2016 to 2021, about 9.7 million Filipino children were displaced because of climate-change related events.

"These displacements caused increased diseases, respiratory illnesses and long-term mental health issues among children," she said.

"Disasters force children to miss school, affect their learning and their future. In rural communities, where agriculture is the main industry, these calamities generate food shortages and malnutrition," she added.

Duterte said children must be given "meaningful participation" in the fight against climate change.

"As adults, we must commit to walking the talk. We can start by reducing our carbon footprints and living sustainably. We must also promote programs that encourage kids to improve their community's disaster resilience. The upcoming COP28 presents a critical opportunity for the Philippine government to design and implement child-responsive climate action that prioritizes the needs and perspectives of children."

More deaths

Experts earlier warned that more people will die from extreme heat and that without action, the health of humanity "is at grave risk."

The Lancet Countdown, a major annual assessment carried out by leading researchers and institutions, said more common droughts will put millions at risk of starving, mosquitoes spreading farther than ever before will take infectious diseases with them, and health systems will struggle to cope with the burden.

Last year people worldwide were exposed to an average of 86 days of life-threatening temperatures, according to the Lancet Countdown study. Around 60 percent of those days were made more than twice as likely due to climate change, it said.

The number of people over 65 who died from heat rose by 85 percent from 1991-2000 to 2013-2022, it added.

"However, these impacts that we are seeing today could be just an early symptom of a very dangerous future," Lancet Countdown's executive director Marina Romanello said.

Under a scenario in which the world warms by two degrees Celsius by the end of the century — it is currently on track for 2.7 C — annual heat-related deaths were projected to increase 370 percent by 2050. That marks a 4.7-fold increase.

Around 520 million more people will experience moderate or severe food insecurity by mid-century, according to the projections.

And mosquito-borne infectious diseases will continue to spread into new areas. The transmission of dengue would increase by 36 percent under a 2.0 C warming scenario, according to the study.

WITH AFP

New label Viral Records wants to create 'safe space' for musicians

By Christina Alpad

The Philippines is never short on musical talents resulting to a rich landscape teeming with local music producers. But one new player, Viral Records, is stepping forward in the hopes of providing opportunities for Filipino talents without compromising their authenticity.

In a grand media conference where Viral Records introduced itself and its seven new talents, Patsy Ferrer explained that the label she co-founded with Cons de Guzman and Raven Bobilar aims to provide a sanctuary for artists.

"Our belief is that musicians and creators thrive when supported because there's an abundance of exceptional talent within our community," Ferrer said passionately.

"Our mission at Viral Records is simple: prioritize their creative desires. We're dedicated to upholding their artistic freedom and uniqueness; conformity isn't in our vocabulary. Our goal is to foster an environment where they feel free to express themselves freely," the executive added.

EDSA Revolution not in 2024 holidays list

By Catherine S. Valente

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared 20 national holidays for 2024, but the list does not include the observance of the EDSA Revolution that ousted his father in 1986.

Malacañang said on Friday the President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, signed on October 11 Proclamation 368 declaring next year's regular holidays and special non-working days.

The regular holidays are New Year's Day (January 1), Maundy Thursday (March 28), Good Friday (March 29), Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (June 12), National Heroes Day (August 26), Bonifacio Day (November 30), Christmas Day (December 25), and Rizal Day (December 30).

The special non-working holidays are Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21), All Saints' Day (November 1), Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (December 8), and Last Day of the Year (December 31).

The special non-working days are Chinese New Year (February 10), Black Saturday (March 30), All Souls' Day (November 2), and Christmas Eve (December 24).

In explaining why the anniversary of the EDSA Revolution, which is usually celebrated on February 25, was not on the list, the Office of the President (OP) said the date falls on a Sunday next year.

"There is a minimal socio-economic impact in declaring such day as a special non-working holiday since it coincides with the rest day for most workers/laborers," the OP said in a statement on Friday.

The event had been declared a special non-working day by every president.

Last February, under Proclamation 167, Marcos moved the celebration of the EDSA Revolution from February 25 to 24, citing the principle of "holiday economics."

Holiday economics is the practice of shifting a public holiday to a weekday nearest to the weekend to allow the public to enjoy three rest days instead of two.

Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo implemented holiday economics extensively during her administration.

Proclamation 368 provided the reasons for declaring the holidays next year.

February 10 is a special (non-working) day since Chinese New Year is one of the "most revered and festive events" celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines, it said.

Black Saturday, which falls on March 30, is a special non-working day because Holy Week is "one of the most cherished traditions of the predominantly Catholic people."

Under Republic Act 9256, August 21 is a national non-working holiday to commemorate the death anniversary of former senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr.

Under RA 10966, December 8 is a special non-working holiday.

November 2 is a special non-working day to "strengthen family ties by providing more time for the traditional All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day activities, as well as promote domestic tourism."

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are national holidays but the dates of their observance will be issued after "the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient."

Lady Blazers rout Warriors, near V-League finals

By The Manila Times

September 20, 2023 10

College of Saint Benilde flexed its defensive muscle to repel University of the East, 25-22, 25-13, 25-12, for the big head-start in their best-of-three semifinal series in the V-League Women's Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.

The Lady Blazers used a crippling 8-0 closing run to dispatch the Lady Warriors, spiked by a three straight-hit from Zam Nolasco, including back-to-back kill blocks.

Nolasco finished with six blocks to go with six attacks, while Jade Gentapa paced CSB with 15 markers on 12 attacks, two of which helped anchor their strong finishing kick.

The CSB Lady Blazers V-LEAGUE PHOTO

CSB, which struggled past the UE side, 23-25, 25-22, 29-27, 25-18, in the elims last Sept. 10, held the league's top gun, Caseiy Dongallo to nine points with Khy Cepeda and Riza Nogales dishing out six markers apiece for the Recto-based squad.

Dengue cases, deaths rise in Davao City

 By Ruth Palo

September 20, 2023 50

DAVAO CITY: This city has recorded an alarming number of dengue cases from January to August of the year — 1,506 — higher than the 1,052 recorded in the same period last year, city health officials said on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.

City Health Office (CHO) Tropical Diseases Division head Melodina Babante said the deaths caused by dengue from January to August have also reached 28 or significantly higher than the 13 that were recorded in the same period last year.

Babante also said dengue cases in the city have increased from irregular weather patterns that aided the breeding process of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

She noted that the fight against dengue must be taken to the community level, asking every barangay (village) to form their own Barangay Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Task Force dedicated entirely to reducing the number of dengue cases in their area.

The fact that the CHO cannot intervene alone, Babante said, the office is enabling barangay officials to aid in the intervention in this disease.

"The residents play an important role in fighting this dengue disease, we are working with local officials to form a dengue task force," she added.

The task force is critical in performing a coordinated effort to limit the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes by searching for and eliminating breeding places. It could further monitor people under its responsibility for signs of infection and use early intervention to prevent an outbreak, Babante said.

Out of 182 barangay here, only 9 have a Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Task Force. These villages, she said, have reported the lowest number of dengue infections in recent years, indicating that the task force is efficient in lowering dengue cases.

Another 14 barangay previously formed their own task forces, but these have now remained dormant and must be reactivated, Babante added.

Miss Universe pageant to remove age limit beginning 2024

Current Miss Universe titleholder R’Bonney Gabriel INSTAGRAM PHOTO/MISSUNIVERSE

By Christina Alpad

September 13, 2023 190

THE Miss Universe pageant — considered the largest and most prestigious beauty pageant — is removing the age limit of 28 years old to all candidates beginning 2024.

"Starting then, every adult woman in the world will be eligible to compete to be Miss Universe," the pageant posted on its Instagram account @missuniverse Wednesday morning.

A link to the post showed that current titleholder, R'Bonney Gabriel, made the announcement at Tanner Fletcher's spring 2024 New York Fashion Week show on Tuesday.

In 2022, MUO also started allowing mothers and wives to compete for the pageant.

"It's a bold group of women in charge over here, and you know what, a lot of people tend to follow what we do — it's nice to be a standard-bearer, and I'm proud that we get to do this," Gabriel told WWD.

The 72nd Miss Universe competition is set on November 18 at host country El Salvador. Michelle Dee will represent the country in the upcoming pageant.