FEU escapes UE in five-set duel

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Mar 15, 2023 2:53 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Tagaod carried out the game-high performance of 23 points while Fernandez had an all-around outing of 22 as they joined hands in the extended showdown. Jean Asis added 12.

---

Chenie Tagaod and Jovelyn Fernandez connived to lift Far Eastern University past the gritty University of the East, 25-19, 18-25, 25-12, 22-25, 15-5, in the first round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 15, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. 

The Lady Tamaraws had to dig deep to turn away the tough challenge of the Lady Warriors and improved to a 3-3 slate in the standings. 

Tagaod carried out the game-high performance of 23 points while Fernandez had an all-around outing of 22 as they joined hands in the extended showdown. Jean Asis added 12.

Interestingly, it was UE which handed FEU its 11-game losing streak from last season during their second round head-to-head tussle. 

"Sobrang happy na first round pa lang, to be honest 'no na-exceed 'yung expectation. Since nandito na kami, hindi kami pwedeng huminto," said coach Tina Salak as FEU bounced back from its straight-set beating from the league-leading De La Salle last March 11. 

The struggling UE relied on KC Cepada and Van Bangayan who finished with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Ja Lana contributed 14 points laced with 14 digs and 10 excellent receptions. 

The Lady Warriors still couldn’t find a breakthrough and slid to a 0-6 record in the standings.  

Why were the Europeans so eager to come and stay to the Philippine Islands?

 What made the Philippines so attractive to the Western people that they even colonized our country for centuries?

Josh

Food Technologist & Political Economist | MSc.

I am the Managing Editor of Manila Bay Morning Post - A Country Development Perspective. I believe that if humans focused on business and economic history, they would better understand who they are as a nation beyond the obsolescence of racism, nationalism, and boundaries that created wars and human division.

Visit us at https://www.manilabaymorningpost.com

There were many factors unique to each coloniser. Magellan was said to have heard of this part of the East Indies that had so much gold as big as eggs that you can just pick it up from the ground. Pigafetta had questioned Magellan that he was off course north from the spice islands. Magellan admitted that he had heard of yhese islands bedore and wanted to see. True enough, his men were so bedazzled but Magellan ordered them not to accept gold for payment for Spanish merchandise and that they will just return to colonise. Ironically, when Legaspi returned in 1565, he made no effort to exploit the gold but instead developed the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.

In 1896, the Spanish were nit so keen to let go of the Pjilippines because it had become so rich when it was opened to global trade in 1800. So by 1898, Spain's reason for wanting the Philippines was Manila Bay, which was among the best ports in Asia, being central and close to China.

The Americans, and other Europeans coveting the Philippines, was after Manila Bay for it's commerical importance in global commerce. By 1920s, America had lost interest in the Philippines as a holony as it turned out to be a liability. It was better off a free country allied to America. After 1945, the Philippines wanted it only for location of its military bases.

As for Japan, it was military location. It served as a vital communication line between Japan/Taiwan and Indonesia, where it was getting its oil. In 1944, Japan mustered all its might to keep it from falling back to American hands.

La Niña ends – Pagasa

By Arlie O. Calalo

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has declared that the cold weather called La Niña, which has led to a number of tropical cyclones in the country, has ended after over a year.

However, this does not mean that El Niño or warm weather has begun.

"Most of the climate models predict that ENSO- neutral (neither La Niña nor El Niño) is favored from March through June this year with an increased likelihood of a transition to El Niño thereafter," according to Pagasa Administrator Vicente Malano.

Although La Niña has ended, Malano said its lingering effect may still result in above-normal rainfall conditions in the coming months, which may lead to heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods, and rain-induced landslides in some highly vulnerable areas.

On one hand, El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could result in dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country, he said.

In its advisory, Pagasa said the country will experience a gradual shift of wind systems as the northeast monsoon locally known as "amihan" is predicted to wane and the easterlies will become predominant this March.

Other weather systems still likely to affect the country are the ridge of high pressure areas (HPAs), low pressure areas (LPAs) and convergence zones, it said.

The state-run weather agency has predicted that at least one tropical cyclone will likely occur within this month.

Generally, most parts of the country may experience near to above-normal rainfall conditions except for some provinces over the western section of Northern Luzon and the northern part of Palawan that may receive below-normal to way below-normal rainfall within March, Pagasa said.

Palace bares Baste Duterte, Benjamin Magalong, Francis Zamora among heads of regional peace councils

 

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Mar 14, 2023 5:13 PM

  

AT A GLANCE

Malacañang has named the new chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DIG)-Regional Peace and Order Council

The appointees include politicians like Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora

Politicians such as Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora were among the new officials of the Regional Peace and Order Council appointed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Malacañang bared on Tuesday, March 14, the long list of new chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DIG)-Regional Peace and Order Council.

The appointed officials were:

-Sebastian Z. Duterte, Chairperson, Region XI

-Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., Chairperson, Region III

-Ahod B. Ebrahim, Chairperson BARMM

-Eduardo B. Gadiano, Chairperson, MIMAROPA

-Jose Edwin B. Hamor, Chairperson, Region V

-Dulce Ann K. Hofer, Chairperson Region IX

-Eugenio Jose B. Lacson, Chairperson, Region VI

-Benjamin B. Magalong, Chairperson CAR

-Raphaelle Veronica A. Ortega-David, Chairperson, Region I

-Carlos M. Padilla, Chairperson, Region II

-Alexander T. Pimentel, Chairperson, Region XIII

-Benedict M. Arevalo, Vice Chairperson, Region VI and VII

-Adonis R. Bajao, Vice Chairperson, Region V

-Mafelino A. Bazar, Vice Chairperson, CAR

-Jerry Bearis, Vice Chairperson, Region VII

-Roberto S. Capulong, Vice Chairperson, Region IV-A and MIMAROPA

-John C. Chua, Vice Chairperson, Region I

-Lawrence B. Coop, Vice Chairperson, Region X

-Rudolph B. Dimas, Vice Chairperson, Region V

-Andrew D. Costelo, Vice Chairperson, Region I and III

-Jonnel C. Estomo, Vice Chairperson, NCR

-Leo M. Francisco, Vice Chairperson, Region VI

-John G. Guyguyon, Vice Chairperson, BARMM

-Sidney S. Hernia, Vice Chairperson, MIMAROPA

-Pablo G. Labra II, Vice Chairperson, Region XIII

-Carmilo Z. Ligayo, Vice Chairperson, Region VIII

-Jimilil L. Macaraeg, Vice Chairperson, Region XII

-Wilbur C. Mamawag, Vice Chairperson, Region X and XIII

-Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Vice Chairperson, Region VIII

-Alexei Musñgi, Vice Chairperson, NCR

-Antonio G. Nafarrete, Vice Chairperson, Region IX

-Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Vice Chairperson, Region IV-A

-Jose Eriel M. Niembra, Vice Chairperson, Region XI

-Audrey L. Pasia, Vice Chairperson, Region II and CAR

-Cesar R. Pasiwen, Vice Chairperson, Region III

-Alex S. Rillera, Vice Chairperson, Region XII

-Percival A. Rumbaoa, Vice Chairperson, Region II

-Benjamin H. Silo Jr., Vice Chairperson, Region XI

-Alfred S. Romualdez, Chairperson, Region VIII

-Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, Chairperson, Region X

-Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., Chairperson, Region XII

-Angelina D.L. Tan, Chairperson, Region IV-A

-Francisco Javier M. Zamora, Chairperson, NCR

-Neil B. Alinsañgan, Vice Chairperson, Region IX

The Palace also named Victor S. Oliveros as member of the Sannguniang Panlungsod, Puerto Princesa City under the DILG.

Marcos also tapped Raul F. Marcelo as a member representing the Business and Investment Sectors, Board of Directors at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Change management

 

Change management

BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT MANNY VILLAR

  

OF TREES AND FOREST

Jeepneys are not just utilitarian modes of transportation for Filipinos. It is that, yes. They offer an affordable mode of transportation for students, workers and the general population that also supports the livelihood of thousands of drivers and independent operators. Back in the day, the jeepney was my go-to ride when going to school or when my friends and I would go to downtown Manila to watch movies and eat. Nag-eenjoy ako sumabit sa jeep. The wind against your face (hindi pa masyado polluted noon) and the sense of danger I experienced at that young age.

This is the reason why the issue of the jeepney modernization program is not just an economic or even a political issue. For many—the drivers, operators, the riding public—it is deeply cultural and personal.

Some years back, the government launched the modernization program which has a noble aim: to modernize our transportation system by making them more efficient, safer and environmentally sustainable. Unfortunately, this involved phasing out old and dilapidated public utility vehicles, including the jeepneys. But the objective was very good. Modern transport systems are the backbone of successful economies, they are the lifelines of cities and regions, and provide important economic and social factors. Just look at Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Modernizing the Philippine transport system means moving more people faster. It also means developing sustainable solutions that are clean, resource efficient, safe and affordable.

Fast forward to today when transport groups held a nationwide strike to protest the jeepney phaseout and decry the implementation of the modernization program. Thanks to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., that strike was averted when he promised to review the program and its implementation.

I was impressed by the way President Bongbong handled this crisis. Since the campaign in 2022, he has consistently placed transportation and infrastructure as critical elements of his economic blueprint. He said: “I assure the Filipino people that the government will strive to modernize and improve the country's transportation system. This will be one of the cornerstones of our progress as we move full speed ahead into a brighter tomorrow.

But while he acknowledged the lofty goals of the transport modernization program he also saw the need to make sure that our people are not left behind by the move to phaseout older vehicles. “Ngunit sa pag-aaral ko,” the President explained, “parang hindi maganda ang naging implementation nung modernization.” He added: “May luma naman na maganda pa rin. May luma naman na puwede pang gamitin.” Such wise words from the President!

The President is essentially saying, “this is something we need to do, but we need to do it right.” With the nationwide strike called off, the government needs to sit down and recalibrate its efforts to modernize our transportation. And there is one principle they need to understand.

Change is difficult. People are generally averse to change especially if they are abrupt and if it will completely threaten their livelihood. For this reason, societies and organizations need to plan changes. In business, we have what we call change management. It refers to the actions a business needs to take in order to effect change or adjust a significant component of its organization—technology, company culture, internal processes, corporate hierarchy, and the like. Government needs to understand that they have to guide all stakeholders of the transport sector in the process of modernization. They need to involve everyone who will be affected by this enormous change from the earliest stages of planning down to its execution.

An important part of change management is preparing all sectors that will be affected for the change that is coming. This in turn requires an effective communication strategy for the modernization plan and how it will be implemented. As a first step, perhaps government should stop using the term phaseout. It is so cold and cruel of a term to be using in an emotionally charged discussion.

In business, it is unthinkable for a manager to just show up at a meeting one day and tell everyone that changes will be made. It does not work that way in business and most certainly, in government which deals with public interest. I hope that with the guidance of the President we can finally get this right.

For comments, please send email to: mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com.

Papal decree elevates Antipolo Cathedral into Southeast Asia's 1st International Shrine

BY NEL ANDRADE

  

---

The Antipolo Cathedral, otherwise known as the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City, is now officially the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, making it the first international shrine in Southeast Asia and the 11th in the world.

The Diocese of Antipolo and the Antipolo cathedral, in an announcement on March 13 on its social media pages, said that the Vatican
has finally issued a decree, elevating the cathedral into an International Shrine.

The shrine received the Papal decree on March 13, the 10th anniversary of the papacy of Pope Francis.

The decree will take effect on March 25, coinciding with the occasion of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord and the anniversary of the departure of the image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Senora dela Paz Y Buenviaje) from Acapulco in Mexico, to the Philippines.

The cathedral said the Vatican, prior to the issuance of the decree, announced in June, 2022, that it has approved the petition of the cathedral, through Antipolo Bishop Francis Mendoza De Leon, and the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines for the elevation of the shrine into an international shrine, making the Antipolo’s cathedral as the very first to become an international shrine in Southeast Asia and eleventh worldwide.

Fr. Reynante Tolentino, shrine rector of the Antipolo Cathedral revealed that a solemn declaration of the shrine, which is being anticipated by the church and the devotees, may happen sometime in July, with the bishops of the Philippines possibly attending the momentous occasion.

“Our Shrine, being an international shrine, is a great blessing and a responsibility to the entire Diocese of Antipolo and the whole
country especially to the devotees of the Blessed Virgin. Many thanks to Pope Francis for appointing our shrine as an International Shrine as well as the CBCP and the bishops of the Philippines! Thank you so much to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin of Antipolo!” Tolentino said in a message sent to Manila Bulletin, when asked by this reporter for his reaction.

Tolentino bared that at present, the cathedral's main altar, where the 17th century old image of the Blessed Virgin used to be displayed, is undergoing minor repainting and improvement and may be finished before the Holy Week.

DOH, DepEd urged to launch more HIV awareness, campaign information among Filipino youth

 

NEWSNATIONAL

BY HANNAH TORREGOZA 

  

---

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday, March 15 called on the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to step up efforts on raising the youth’s awareness on the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
 
Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, made the call following the release of the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines for January 2023, which revealed that 86 cases were recorded among children and adolescents or those aged 19 and below. 
 
The same study cited that 79 percent of these cases were prevalent among adolescents aged 10 to 19, while seven were less than 10 years old.
 
“Nakakaalarma at nakakalungkot isipin na kung sino pa ang dapat na binibigyan ng dobleng pag-aaruga dahil sa kanilang murang edad at kahinaan ay sila pa ang nakakaranas ng matinding pagdurusa (It is alarming and sad to think that those who should be given double care because of their young age and weakness are the ones who are experiencing great suffering),” Gatchalian said in a statement.
 
“Ang nakababahalang balitang ito ay kinakailangan ng mas maigting na pakikipag-ugnayan ng DOH sa iba't ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at mga lokal na pamahalaan para ikalat nang husto ang kaalaman tungkol sa sakit at kung paano maiwasan ito (This alarming news calls for closer collaboration by the DOH with various government agencies and local governments to widely spread knowledge about the disease and how to prevent it),” he said.
 
The same study also showed that the total number of new HIV cases for the month of January was 1,454. Of the 1,365 reported cases acquired through sexual contact, 998 or 70 percent were males who reported having sex with another male, 193 or 13 percent were males having sex with females, and 240 or 17 percent were males having sex with both males and females.
 
Gatchalian pointed out the findings of the University of the Philippines Population Institute’s (UPPI) 2021 Young Adult and Fertility Sexuality Survey (YAFSS) also revealed that youth awareness of HIV and acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) dropped to 78% in 2021—the lowest recorded since 1994 when the rate of youth awareness on HIV and AIDS was 95 percent. 
 
In 2013, the percentage of youth who were aware of HIV and AIDS already dropped to 85 percent.
 
Because of this, the lawmaker said he will pursue a Senate inquiry on HIV infections among youth, as well as adolescent pregnancies. 
 
Last year, Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution No.13 in a bid to review and assess the DepEd’s implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
 
“Nais nating tiyakin na sapat ang kaalaman ng ating mga kabataan pagdating sa HIV, lalo na’t maaaring magdulot ito ng pinsala sa kanilang kalusugan at kapakanan. Susuriin natin kung paano natuturuan ang ating mga kabataan upang pangalagaan ang kanilang mga kalusugan (We want to make sure that our young people have enough knowledge when it comes to HIV, especially because it can cause damage to their health and well-being. We will examine how our youth are educated to take care of their health),” the senator stressed. 

 

April 6-10 is extended long weekend -- Palace

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Mar 14, 2023 7:49 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Filipinos will experience an extended long weekend from April 6 to 10

• This as April 6, 7, and 10 were declared regular holidays in observation of Holy Week and celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan

---

Long weekend!

Malacañang has reminded the public that the traditional Holy Week break will be extended until Araw ng Kagitingan which was moved to April 10.

In an advisory on Tuesday, March 14, the Palace reiterated previous proclamations, declaring April 6 (Maundy Thursday), April 7 (Good Friday), and April 10 (Araw ng Kagitingan) as regular holidays.

April 8 and 9 fall on a weekend and sandwiched between the three regular holidays, making it a five-day long weekend break for Filipinos.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. already declared April 6 to 7 as regular holidays through Proclamation No. 42 in August 2022 while April 10, which falls on a Monday, was declared holiday through Proclamation No. 90 in November last year.

The changes made in November, according to Marcos, were made to encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures.

Malacañang said the extended long weekend aims to give Filipinos an opportunity to observe the Holy Week and have more time with their families and loved ones.

"Gamitin natin ang pagkakataong ito upang makapagbigay ng oras sa ating mga mahal sa buhay habang responsable tayo sa pagsunod sa mga health at safety protocols. Nawa'y maging mapayapa at makabuluhan ang panahong ito para sa lahat (Let's use this opportunity to make time for our loved ones while we responsibly practice health safety measures. May this be a peaceful and meaningful time for all of us)," the Palace said in a statement.

Under Proclamation No. 90, Bonifacio Day-Nov. 30 (Thursday) was also moved to Nov. 27 (Monday).

Marcos then said that "there is a need to adjust these holidays pursuant to the principle of holiday economics wherein a longer weekend will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country."

Scattered rain showers, thunderstorms in Mindanao due to LPA

DWD-Warnung bereits am Morgen: Wetterkarte färbt sich orange - Sturm-Alarm in ganz Deutschland

Erstellt: 14.03.2023, 07:13 Uhr

Von: Michelle Brey 

Am Dienstag erwartet uns ungemütliches Wetter in Deutschland. Der DWD warnt am Morgen für ganz Deutschland.

München - Am Montag kamen in weiten Teilen Deutschlands echte Frühlingsgefühle auf. Angenehme Temperaturen und Sonnenschein ließen sich im Freien genießen. Schon am Dienstag ist jedoch das ungemütliche März-Wetter zurück. Es wird stürmisch, kalt und nass - und das nahezu im ganzen Land.  

Hintergrund ist dem Deutschen Wetterdienst (DWD) zufolge eine „markante Kaltfront“, die Deutschland von West nach Ost überquert. „Dahinter strömen deutlich kältere Luftmassen polaren Ursprungs ein“, heißt es im DWD-Warnlagebericht. Ein Mix aus Wolken, Sonne, Wind und Regen erwartet auch Wetterexperte Dominik Jung von wetter.net.

Wetteraussichten: DWD warnt für ganz Deutschland

Der DWD warnt am Dienstagmorgen vor markantem Wetter in ganz Deutschland. Dementsprechend ist die komplette Wetterkarte orange - stehend für die Warnstufe zwei - eingefärbt. Die Unwetterwarnung gilt im Norden Deutschlands teilweise bereits für morgens ab neun Uhr, in der Mitte und im Süden ab zwölf oder 14 Uhr. Gewarnt wird vor Sturmböen, die sich gebietsweise in ihrer Stärke unterscheiden. 

Von starken bis stürmischen Böen (55 bis 75km/h) über einzelne Sturmböen (bis 85km/h) bis hin zu schweren Sturmböen (bis 100km/h) ist alles dabei - so etwa „im Alpenvorland ausgreifend bis nach München“. Auf einzelnen Berggipfeln könne es auch zu orkanartigen Böen mit bis zu 115 km/h kommen. An der Nordsee seien stürmische Böen und Sturmböen aus nordwestlichen Richtungen möglich, schreibt der Wetterdienst.

Ausnahmslos orange eingefärbt: Die Wetterkarte des DWD zeigt für ganz Deutschland Warnungen der Stufe 2 (markantes Wetter) an. © Screenshot Deutscher Wetterdienst

Im Tagesverlauf, so der DWD, könne es zudem zu „schauerartig verstärkten Niederschlägen“ kommen. In den westlichen und zentralen Mittelgebirgen ebenso wie im Harz seien schon ab Nachmittag mit ersten Schneeschauern zu rechnen. Zu Frost, Glätte und teilweise auch Schnee komme es in der Nacht auf Mittwoch. Dementsprechend sehen auch die Temperaturen für Dienstag aus: Die Höchstwerte erstrecken sich ab acht Grad im Nordwesten bis 16 Grad im Osten. Ab dem Nachmittag soll es dann kühler werden. 

Das Wetter für die Restwoche: Trend macht Hoffnung auf den Frühling

Die milden Temperaturen am Montag waren offenbar nur ein erster kleiner Vorgeschmack. Diesen könnten die kommenden Tage schnell vergessen machen. Doch ganz so ungemütlich, wie es am Dienstag in Deutschland sein soll, wird die restliche Woche laut den Experten aus Offenbach nicht. „Der Frühling hat Lust und versucht es immer wieder“, resümierte Jung dazu passend am Montag mit Blick auf die Wetterlage. Gegen die Kaltluft aus Nordeuropa habe er es jedoch noch immer schwer, sagte der Meteorologe.

Einen Anlauf nimmt der Frühling diese Woche jedenfalls erneut. Von Mittwoch an steigern sich laut DWD nämlich die Temperaturen, sodass am Freitag (17. März) vielerorts die Winterjacken wieder gegen Frühlingsjacken getauscht werden können. Ein Überblick: