Joey Albert revives kundiman music with new song 'Kundimang Kupas'

By Ricky L. Calderon, Manila Times

There are love songs and there are true love songs – faithful to the purpose of expressing honest, undying love. Such were our homegrown Kundimans, defined as Filipino traditional serenades.

New genres of Filipino love songs have evolved through the years, but one could say that the heart of the Filipino music is still rooted in the Kundiman and we will always come back to it. It is never lost.

After 40 years of a stellar career, OPM icon Joey Albert presents "Kundimang Kupas," another heartwarming love song by Robert More, the Filipino songwriter that wrote "A Million Miles Away," one of the most popular and beloved Joey Albert hits.

"When I first heard Kundimang Kupas, honestly I was moved to tears. I had not heard words spoken as such, nor felt honesty in a song as I did, in a very long time. I thought what of the new generations of Filipino singers might be missing, not having heard songs like this. So I asked the composer if I could record it," she said.

With passion and purpose, Joey carefully studied the song to make it as worthy of the composer as she could – keeping in mind the story of song.

'Unchecked exploitation of nature threatens billions'

SOUNDING THE ALARM This Sept. 14, 2020 file photo shows the United Nations headquarters in New York City. XINHUA PHOTO

By Agence France-Presse

PARIS: Rampant exploitation of nature is a threat to the well-being of billions of people across the world who rely on wild species for food, energy and income, biodiversity experts from the United Nations said on Friday.

From fishing and logging to the use of wild plants in medicines and perfumes, societies across the planet use species that have not been tamed or cultivated, with annual global legal and illegal trade in the hundreds of billions of dollars.

But as humans drive alarming biodiversity loss — and climate change threatens to accelerate the destruction — the UN's Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (Ipbes), called for "transformative changes" in our relationship with wild species.

Ipbes, which has warned that a million species are at risk of extinction, said halting overexploitation was "critical to reverse the global trend in biodiversity decline" and hailed the crucial role of indigenous communities in protecting nature.

Its report, written by dozens of experts and indigenous advisers and approved by 139 member states, comes as the UN steers an international process to protect nature from human destruction in the coming decades.

"The use of wild species is absolutely crucial for humanity and nature," the Ipbes report co-chairman, Jean-Marc Fromentin, told Agence France-Presse (AFP), adding it was a "key issue for food security."

UN experts estimate "about 40 percent of humanity" relies in some way on wild species, he said, adding: "It's much bigger than you think."

Overall, 50,000 species are used for food, energy, medicine, material and other purposes around the world, the report said, with more than 10,000 different types harvested for human consumption.

Wild plants, algae and fungi provide food and income for one in five people globally, while some 2.4 billion people rely on wood for cooking.

Ipbes estimated that 70 percent of the world's poor depend directly on wild species and businesses linked to them.

But they are not the only ones.

"City dwellers in rich countries might not notice it, but wild plants are used in medicines or cosmetics. You eat wild fish and there is a good chance that your furniture comes from wild trees," Fromentin said.

Even foraging remains an important activity for people in North America and Europe, with notably high rates in Eastern Europe, according to the report, which said there was a "growing demand for wild foods" for high-end restaurants.

Wild trees account for two-thirds of global industrial roundwood, while trade in wild plants, algae and fungi is a billion-dollar industry.

But global trade can become disconnected from sustainable supply, with surging demand risking species and ecosystems, and the report said there was an "urgent" need for effective policies that adapt to local needs.

One major issue is the illicit trade in wild species, estimated to be worth between $69 billion and $199 billion a year, which Ipbes said was the third-largest illegal market after human trafficking and drugs.

While this largely targets trees and fish, the report said even smaller-scale trade in rare animals and plants, like orchids, can have devastating effects.

This trade "robs countries, indigenous people and local communities of access to their own resources and safe livelihoods," said Inger Andersen, head of the UN Environment Program.

Letting the natural world thrive is better business.

Tourism based on observing wild species was a key reason that protected areas globally received eight billion visitors and generated $600 billion every year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, fisheries that are well-managed often have an increasing abundance of fish.

Atlantic bluefin tuna, for example, was fished to the brink by an explosion of demand for the sashimi market in the 1980s.

Initially, "scientific advice carried little weight against fisheries lobbies and national interests," Ipbes said, but a new strategy launched in 2007 has managed to rebuild the population.

In general, overexploitation is the main threat to wild marine species, it said, as well as a key threat to land and freshwater ecosystems.

Davao eyes higher rice and corn yields

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By Ruth Palo, Manila Times

Davao rice farmers show their harvest in this file photo taken in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur from the Department of Agriculture Region 11 office. 

THE Davao City Agriculturist's Office (Cagro) is gearing up its plans and programs to increase the production of crops such as rice and corn to deliver the promise of food security to the people of the city.

Cagro Head Edgardo Haspe said that the programs and projects of his office are geared toward food production and are currently given a boost because of a looming food deficit.

"The national government is anticipating a deficit in the food supply in the next two quarters. So there will be a shortage. The challenge for us since we are in charge of the crops so this is really a challenge for how to increase the production of rice and corn," he said.

He also said that their budget allocation for food production programs will also be increased to improve the city's food sufficiency and help residents brace for the looming food crisis and reduce the city's dependency on food imports.

"Because here in Davao City, we need 10,000 bags of rice to feed the entire population. And our buffer for the whole year, based on current production from less than 1,000 rice areas in the city, is only 14 days. So, the rest of that we outsource from other provinces and, at the same time, on imported rice," Haspe added.

Cagro is planning to expand the city's rice areas in the highlands to boost rice production.

The production of corn is also promising because of the significant number of farmers who shifted to corn farming as the price of the product increased.

Aside from increasing staple food production, the Cagro has accelerated other ongoing agriculture programs geared toward food security.

These include the quarterly distribution of fish fingerlings to fish farmers in the highlands and the distribution of seeds and seedlings.

FAO asked to keep food markets open

He said the city is now regularly producing seedlings to be distributed to Dabawenyo farmers. Over 1,000 sacks of fertilizer assistance had also been distributed to vegetable farmers since April this year.

Fertilizers and seeds have more than tripled in market prices since January, in conjunction with the rising fuel prices.

"Most of our programs provide support for our farmers most especially on fertilizers and seeds, plus or seedlings; we improved these programs for this year. We are producing seedlings and procuring seeds. At the same time, we are also producing fingerlings for our fish farmers," the official said.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte earlier vowed to ensure food security in the city amid an impending global food crisis.

BORN ON A SUNDAY

If the sky is dark and it pours cats and dogs like yesterday and some days earlier, I try my very best to beat the blues. The taxi drivers tried to make detours, the flights were delayed or cancelled due bad weather conditions - yes, it seems the whole world is against us! I am pretty sure, each one of us experienced similar times.

I was born on a Sunday - a so-called "Sunday Child". There are sayings that those people will live a life of great success without problems, worries, and trials. Many years ago, someone told me, those born on Sunday are truly shining stars like the sun. They are never satisfied with anything ordinary. They want to shine with a distinguished brilliance amidst other people. These are highly creative individuals who wish to place themselves in the first pale in every domain of life

Well, is that really so?

I remember very difficult, problematic and questionable times in my life. A cheating taxi driver or cancelled flight have been just peanuts if I compare. In those difficult times I almost lost all my strength to get down to work on all problems. Life's path became narrow. Fears grew: it's enough. Really enough!

I started becoming awkward and jerky. I struggled against almost everybody around me. I was reluctant to go against other's good ideas. I felt driven into a corner. People with indifference, arrogance and unqualified comments passed my way. Yes, also here in the Philippines... . Suddenly everything can become a problem and our voices  bellow and our groans are getting louder and louder too.

But hey, I learned something. Admittedly groans can lighten our burden! For even a short moment only, I did feel how my inner life - and inside pressure eased off. A short moment only... Suddenly more trials and problems overwhelmed us and our families and friends: illnesses, death, bankruptcy, "war at the working place", efforts giving us a bad name, destroying the reputation, intrigues... .

"You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me", (Psalm 23:5). Really? Amazing! We don't know about more and new spitefulness through my next "enemy on duty" in future.  Actually I also don't want to know it, because negativism blocks life and its future plans.

But I know Psalm 23. I read it, every time, if I am having a problem. Not if I meet again a detouring taxi or, if my flight is delayed.... .

Psalm 23 should be printed in each and every one's heart, mind and soul. Psalm 23 was my confirmation saying... .

AFP, PNP officials pay courtesy call on Governor Dorothy Gonzaga

 

Davao de Oro --- Officials of the 10th Infantry AGILA Division and the Provincial Police Office, headed by MGEN Nolasco A Mempin and Officer-In-Charge PCOL Benedicto F Faco, respectively, paid a courtesy call to Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga on separate dates at the Capitol Building, Activity Hall.

The visit aims to strengthen the cooperation and collaboration between the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro and the government forces in maintaining peace and order in the province. During the visit, MGEN Mempin presented the current security landscape, counterinsurgency campaign, accomplishments, and the 10th ID’s sustainment efforts, especially since the province was recently declared insurgency-free. He also gave input about the status of the people’s organizations and updates on former rebels - who left the communist movement and decided to return to the folds of the law.

Likewise, PCOL Faco also presented the current situation of peace and order in the province and discussed the continuous initiative programs and efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in preventing crimes and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in Davao de Oro.

In response, Governor Gonzaga and 2nd District Congressman Ruwel Peter Gonzaga expressed their appreciation and gratitude for all the sacrifices and efforts of all the men and women in uniform, which significantly contributed to a peaceful and more progressive province. She also affirmed that under her leadership, the local government will showed full support and unwavering commitment for the implementation of the programs and initiatives of the 10th ID and PNP for the betterment of the people of Davao de Oro. (Rheafe Hortizano –Information Office, Photos by 10th ID and DDOPPO)

Why does the Filipino smile stand out so much compared to other countries?

 

Bisaya

Proud Bisaya Ko

Why does the Filipino smile stand out so much compared to other countries? Aren't the other South East Asian countries also known for their smiles?

Have you ever wondered why the Filipino smile is so famous? There's no doubt that other South East Asian countries are also known for their smiles, but there's something about the Filipino smile that makes it truly unique. For one thing, Filipinos tend to smile genuinely and from the heart. They're not afraid to show their emotions, and their smiles reflect this openness. In addition, Filipinos are quick to laugh and enjoy humor[1] . This light-hearted attitude helps to make everyone around them feel more relaxed and comfortable. Finally, Filipinos are simply friendly and hospitable people, and their warm smiles reflect this generous nature. So the next time you see a Filipino smiling, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this unique Smile. It is usually genuine, diverse, and full of hope.

Footnotes

[1] Home

AS CONCURRENT DEPED CHIEF VP to produce learners who can achieve their full potential

 

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio (left) receives the Department of Education official seal as well as a copy of the Basic Education Development Plan 2030 from outgoing Secretary Leonor Briones during the joint farewell and welcoming event at the DepEd headquarters in Pasig City on Monday, July 4, 2022. FACEBOOK PHOTO/VP INDAY SARA DUTERTE

By Kaithreen Cruz, Manila Times

VICE President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio vowed to produce learners who can achieve their full potential when she received the DepEd flag and official seal, as well as a copy of the Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030 from former Secretary Leonor Briones on July 4 at the DepEd headquarters in Pasig City.

BEDP 2030 is the country's first long-term plan for the education sector, covering formal education from kindergarten, elementary, junior high school to senior high school, as well as non-formal education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Briones said she turned over to Duterte-Carpio a department that had persevered amid the Covid-19 pandemic and developed great initiatives for the Filipino learners.

She highlighted the education gains during her six-year term including the Sulong EduKalidad campaign to improve the quality of education, empowerment of the regions through its regional directors, participation in international assessments such as the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), transformation of the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) to capacitate teachers, and salary adjustment and provision of benefits and allowances to teachers, among others.

She also recognized the collective effort of DepEd employees to provide support to learners and teachers.

Briones agreed to stay with DepEd as a consultant after her term in the department.

In her message, Duterte-Carpio said she will take inspiration from Briones — from her courage, dedication, commitment, integrity, selflessness and grace.

"But I will also take on the task with the reminder that we shall continue to find ways to improve basic education in terms of access, equity, resiliency, and governance," Duterte-Carpio said.

Education stakeholders hope for a bright future

"Secretary [Briones] is a force. And I am humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of a much-admired academic, public servant, social activist and change-maker. I would also like to acknowledge the equally devoted men and women, our undersecretaries and assistant secretaries who supported Ma'am Liling in the last six years. Daghang salamat kaninyo (Thank you very much to all of you)," she said.

Duterte-Carpio said she aims to produce learners who can achieve their full potential as individuals who are responsible, skilled, knowledgeable, productive and determined to achieve their dreams for themselves and for the country.

DepEd gave tribute to Briones and outgoing Undersecretaries Nepomuceno Malaluan, Diosdado San Antonio and Josephine Maribojoc for their service to the department.

Briones also joined the choir during the video presentation and singing of "When You Believe" by Stephen Schwartz for Duterte-Carpio.

Briones turns over DepEd to VP Sara

In a recent Facebook post, the new DepEd chief said she praised and thanked Briones for her untiring service for six years in the department, making sure education for the youth continued despite the challenges of Covid-19. She is likewise happy that her predecessor agreed to continue as consultant in the Education department.

No more lockdowns'

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

By Catherine S. Valente  and Red Mendoza, Manila Times

THE Covid-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) has jumped to 9.3 percent, almost double the ideal positivity rate of 5 percent set by the World Health Organization (WHO), but the government is unlikely to implement community lockdowns despite the sharp rise in cases.

The country's positivity rate also increased to 6.8 percent in the week of June 28 to July 3.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday said that lockdowns are no longer needed because the majority of Filipinos have been inoculated against Covid-19.

"I think no country now, except China, will go into general lockdowns. I think we have now graduated from being pandemic to endemic," Diokno said when asked if the Marcos economic team will adopt the previous administration's policy of not imposing any wide lockdowns.

"We have to live with the virus. Most of us are vaccinated anyway, some of us even have boosters. In fact, that (vaccination) is also key to the 100 percent opening or face-to-face opening of classes. The plan is, it will start opening up by August and then 100 percent by November," he added.

On Wednesday, the Department of Health (DoH) said that Cordillera, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and Western Visayas regions also had positivity rates above the 5 percent threshold set by the WHO.

The department, however, said that health care utilization rates remained low, with a 19 percent total bed utilization rate despite an increase in admissions by around 6.7 percent.

The average daily reported cases increased by 55 percent from June 21 to 27 to 1,103 cases per day across the country, as compared to 711 cases reported from June 21 to 27.

In NCR, cases increased by 57 percent to an average of 537 cases per day from June 28 to July 4, while Mindanao provinces have shown a slight uptick.

Davao bar owners urged to tighten security measures

By Ruth Palo, Manila Times

DAVAO CITY: The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) urged bar owners here to enforce stringent security measures following the shooting incident on Saturday, July 2, where a 21-year-old student was shot dead by non-uniformed personnel of the Davao Police Regional Office.

Maj. Ma. Teresita Gaspan, DCPO spokesman, said the incident started as an altercation among intoxicated men, which could have been avoided had the weapon been barred from the establishment.

"This is included in our investigation because it is prohibited to carry firearms in establishments that serve alcoholic drinks, especially when the person is already intoxicated. We will investigate why this restobar (restaurant and bar) allowed this to happen as it would have been different if this was regulated. Actually, we have been advocating that it is really prohibited to carry firearms inside establishments, especially in bars and clubs," Gaspan said in an interview over Disaster Radio.

She said the police are now looking into the accountability of business owners in providing a secure environment for their patrons by making sure they follow the prohibitions of the existing liquor ban and have competent security personnel.

She said the city police will be talking to business owners regarding the tightening of security measures in their establishments.

"Actually, we will be meeting with owners and operators of the restobars and bistros in the city, especially those patronized by many to capacitate them. They have their own security guard, and bouncers, and their capabilities must be enhanced. Because we have the citizen's arrest, they can make arrests also, especially if they have personal knowledge of the incident. They should not let something like this happen," she said.

She said the case of murder has not yet been filed against the suspect, Dr. Marvin Rey Andrew Pepino, pending the preliminary investigation as requested by the latter.

Meanwhile, the family of the victim, Amierkhan Pulalon Mangacop, who was shot seven times outside Lugar Café and Bar reportedly by Pepino, is now calling for justice for the murder victim.

Despite the incident, Davaoeños have been assured that the DCPO is currently on top of the situation.

"This is an isolated case. There is nothing to worry about. Let us continue our legal work. DCPO is on top of the situation. This is a particularly unprecedented incident that is why there really will be an investigation of the police with jurisdiction over the area so that no similar incident will occur in the future," she added.

Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, meanwhile, said the implementation of the 2013 Ordinance 004-13, which prohibits the selling of liquor from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. will be enforced more strictly. This is to curb the number of crimes induced by alcohol intoxication.

"I've said this before that we will be implementing the liquor ban because, well the incident did not happen entirely because of the lax implementation of the ban... but I suppose if we implement the ban more strictly, we can avoid these incidents from happening because when people are intoxicated with alcohol, bad things can happen at any point in time," Duterte said.

Beer is good for intestine – study

View of beer made with water collected by fog catchers in Ovalle, Chile, on June 30, 2022. AFP PHOTO

LISBON: Drinking beer is beneficial to the intestine and has the potential to prevent chronic diseases, according to research by the Center for Research in Health Technologies and Services (Cintesis), a nonprofit research and development unit, in the city of Porto in northern Portugal.

"Beer consumption contributes to the improvement of the composition of the intestinal microbiota, a factor that has been associated with the prevention of very common chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases," said Cintesis in a statement on Monday.

During the study, healthy men ages 23 to 58 drank 330 milliliters of beer daily, with or without alcohol, for four weeks. The results obtained by the research pointed out that beer consumption "increases the diversity of the intestinal microbiota, without increasing weight and fat mass."

Drinking beer "does not significantly interfere with cardiometabolic biomarkers" such as glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, the statement said. The researchers point out that the beneficial effect of beer is linked to the polyphenols present in the drink, as has already been proven in red wine.

The study, published recently in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, revealed that the benefit of beer on gut health "proved to be independent of alcohol content" or absence of this element.