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Friday, October 6, 2023
LTO: Plastic driver’s license cards out now; schedule of renewal announcment
Pag-asa, Kalayaan Island Group could become PH's own 'Maldives', says Romualdez
Oct 6, 2023 05:36 AM
AT A GLANCE
House Speaker Martin Romualdez believes that with the right funding and intervention, Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could be turned into the country’s own "Maldives".
Maldives is a famous tourist destination thanks to its stunning beach resorts.
Soneva Jani, Noonu Atoll, Maldives. (Unsplash)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez believes that with the right funding and intervention, Pag-asa Island and the rest of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could be developed into a "Maldives"-style tourist destination.
Romualdez had this to say in a press conference Thursday night, Oct. 5 at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City. That same morning, the Speaker led a small group of congressmen to Pag-asa.
"The beauty of the area is astounding. If you just go and visit there, you'll see how beautiful the place is, so there are many potentials," he said.
Romualdez said that he was reminded of the world-famous tourist destination of Maldives during his short time visiting the remote Palawan island.
"This I will tell you as we were flying over the Kalayan Island Groups, it's as if we were flying over the Maldives.
“So we’re looking at hindi lang to support, hindi lang 'yung budget ng DND, hindi lang DOTr baka pwede rin yung DOT, kasi napakaganda dito baka pwede itong maging tourist destination," Romualdez said.
(So we’re looking at not just support, not just the budget of the Department of National Defense, not just the Department of Transportation, but probably also the Department of Tourism, because it was so beautiful there maybe it could be turned into a tourist destination.)
"There are other islands that we would like to develop…parang sa Maldives, so pwede sigurong maging Philippine Maldives… So we shall invite everyone to come and visit," the Leyte 1st district representative noted.
(We'll copy Maldives, this can become the Maldives of the Philippines.)
"But we shall develop the facilities here, the airport, the seaport and the other facilities within the Kalayaan Island Group,” Romualdez said.
Maldives is famous for its stunning beach resorts.
All wind signals lifted as typhoon Jenny no longer affecting PH — PAGASA
Brewing cyclone monitored outside PAR
Oct 6, 2023 09:07 AM
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, Oct. 6 lifted all tropical cyclone wind warnings issued due to typhoon Jenny (international name: Koinu), as it no longer directly affected any part of the country.
In its final bulletin for Jenny, PAGASA last spotted the center of the eye of the typhoon 385 kilometers (km) west-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.
It left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 5.
“Typhoon Jenny is less likely to directly bring heavy rainfall over the country throughout the forecast period. Furthermore, the effect of the typhoon on the southwest monsoon (habagat) has weakened, although the western section of Luzon may still experience some rain showers,” PAGASA said.
Improved weather
Meanwhile, the trough or extension of Jenny may still bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Ilocos Norte, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands.
Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to habagat may also affect Metro Manila, Zambales. Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
New LPA
PAGASA is also monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) outside the PAR that may develop into a tropical cyclone in the next few days.
Weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the LPA was located 1,950 km east of Luzon.
It is moving westward and may enter the PAR by weekend, he pointed out.
The next tropical cyclone name on PAGASA’s list is “Kabayan.”
What to expect at Enchanted Kingdom's 28th anniversary celebration this October
EK also unveiled their newest offerings and developments at the theme park
Oct 5, 2023 04:37 PM
The theme "What’s Your Enchanted Story?" places the spotlight on recreating enchanting stories from the past and creating new magical experiences for every Enchanted Kingdom (EK) guest over the past 28 years. And they officially launched its year-long celebration with the announcement of its roster of events at the Eldar’s Theater in EK last Oct. 1, 2023.
“Enchanted Kingdom remains to be part of our guests’ personal milestones throughout its 28 years. We are very excited to capture these enchanting stories from our past and present guests, and celebrate these magical experiences with the future generation,” said 28th Anniversary Celebration Wizard and the Head of Organization Development and Corporate Planning Nico Mamon.
Due to popular demand, the main anniversary highlight will be the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition, returning eight years after its last spectacle and happening every Saturdays in October. “Apart from entertaining and dazzling the guests, Enchanted Kingdom has collaborated with Filipino fireworks manufacturers to showcase their products and creativity. As a proud Filipino company, we highlight local artistry with pyrotechnics and music, enchanting Filipinos for the past 28 years,” Mamon shared.
Aside from the fireworks competition, Enchanted Kingdom has so much in-store for all types of guests:
On Oct. 7, Enchanted Kingdom recognizes teachers through activities and entertainment with the World Teachers Day Celebration event as part of National Teachers Month.
On Oct. 14, EK will conduct Storytime with Eldar, An Enchanting Kids Event to start off the kids activities, followed by its very own Grand Storybook Characters Parade to introduce other Enchanted Kingdom characters.
On Oct. 21, Eldar’s E-Kreators will host, dance and perform for loyal park goers and fans as part of the worldclass theme park’s collaboration with social media influencers and content creator partners.
Lastly, on Oct. 28, the Grand Finale of the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition will dazzle guests, and the Be Enchanted! Concert will headline Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan together with other best local acts to cap off the anniversary month.
EK will also re-launch its nostalgic menu items from the past 28 years from its restaurants and the launch of new merchandise to commemorate the 28th anniversary.
During the launch, EK also unveiled their newest offerings and developments at the theme park in line with its 28th year of creating and providing magical experiences and memories that last a lifetime. These include the:
EK mobile app which features the park’s interactive map as well as ride and show schedules. Through the mobile app, guests can also access the EK online store (EKOS). Anna Mamon-Aban, EK’s Head of Business Development & Digital Transformation, encouraged everyone to download the app for a more seamless and magical guest experience.
Starbooks, the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) interactive kiosk system and digital library in a box, containing thousands of carefully-curated knowledge content. Two units will be installed at the park’s Agila the EKsperience in partnership with DOST.
Guests can also expect a new and improved Fun Kart, EK’s 800-meter go-kart race track; and the official launch of EK’s new partner tenants: Tater’s, Fortune Bakeshop, and Dash Premium Ice Scramble. EK also launched their own food offerings, Tropical Coolers and Princess Cookies.
Finally, EK’s President and Chairman Mario Mamon teased that Enchanted Kingdom is working its magic in bringing their guests an enhanced and dining experience with branded dining outlets planned. Furthermore, EK announced that starting Dec. 17, the theme park will open its gate every day of the week and continuously provide wholesome family leisure and entertainment especially during the holiday season
For more information about this celebration and other upcoming events, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/
PLGU Davao de Oro sustains progress; ISO certification maintained
With the persistent efforts of the employees and officials of the provincial government of Davao de Oro, headed by Governor Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga, to continually improve its systems and processes, another milestone has been achieved as the institution maintained the ISO 9001:2015 Certification.
On Monday, October 2, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) auditors, namely Christine Anne Formalejo and Len Marc Tagud from TUV SUD PSB Philippines Inc., conducted the 2nd Surveillance Audit for the various offices of the provincial government.
After the rigorous evaluation, these offices passed the audit, meeting all the standard requirements, which, in turn, supports the recommendation for certificate maintenance. This achievement underscored the collective endeavors of these offices in delivering high-quality services for the people.
Quality Management Representative and PHRMDO Head Lara Zhaphire Kristy Bermejo thanked Governor Gonzaga and Vice Governor Tyron Uy for the support given and commended the people behind the feat, saying "We made it again! To all the men and women behind this journey, thank you for your hard work and dedication to live up to our commitment - to be part of our PLGU’s continual improvement".
On August 11, 2022, the institution also maintained its ISO certification after passing the 1st Surveillance Audit. The continued certification brought several advantages, including contented clients, effective management, and satisfied employees.
Furthermore, these successes were product of Governor Gonzaga's leadership, as she consistently prioritized and envisioned good governance in the province through efficient service delivery and the responsible management of public resources, with a strong emphasis on accountability, transparency, and proficiency. (Jaynus Fernandez)
Provincial Administrator’s Office – Information and Public Relations Division
4th Floor, Executive Building, Provincial Capitol Complex, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Age is just a number for Pinoy seniors as country marks ‘Elderly Filipino Week’
Oct 5, 2023 01:58 AM
This week is officially “Elderly Filipino Week,” a celebration backed up by two legislative acts: first, Republic Act (RA) 11350, also known as the “National Commission of Senior Citizen Act,” which mandates the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) to “ensure the full implementation of laws, policies, and programs of the government pertaining to senior citizens.”
Second, by virtue of Proclamation 470 issued in 1994 by former President Fidel V. Ramos, declaring the first week of October (Oct. 1 to 7) each year as “Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino” to “highlight the significant role of the elderly sector in nation-building and in promoting their rights and welfare.”
In support, Malacañang issued last weekend Memorandum Circular 34 directing national government agencies and encouraging local government units (LGUs) to support activities and programs for senior citizens during Elderly Filipino Week.
“The success of the annual celebration… will require participation of all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges, and LGUs,” the memorandum read.
According to the NCSC, this year’s theme is “Honoring the Invaluable Legacy of the Filipino Senior Citizens.” Atty. Franklin Quijano, chair of NCSC, said that “the Philippine Plan of Action for the Senior Citizens and the guidelines for Philippine Age-Friendly Local Governments, Age-Friendly Cities, Municipalities and Communities would be launched, to develop a homegrown, age-friendly approach benefitting the senior citizens.”
While celebrating and recognizing the contributions of seniors are important, concrete measures are essential to truly enhance the lives of the approximately 10 million senior citizens in the country. Recent developments include the NCSC welcoming the filing of a bill in Congress that mandates public and private sectors to hire senior citizens.
House Bill 8972, filed by ACT-CIS party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo and four other lawmakers, states that “one percent of the workforce of a private company with at least 100 employees must be senior citizens.” With the proposal, there will be more incentives to companies that will hire qualified senior citizens, such as tax deductions from the senior citizens’ compensation.
Quijano, in a TV interview, said that there are a lot of healthy and productive senior citizens who are still eager and able to work, “We’re actually trying to encourage senior citizens to be more productive by encouraging enterprises to support them… we are happy (with the bill) because many senior citizens are looking for a job and want to spend their time working. They possess the skills and the ability.”
The NCSC chair, however, emphasized that the law must provide full protection to seniors who may wish to become part of the workforce. Aside from flexibility in work schedules, they should be compensated accordingly and covered with relevant insurance. In return, seniors can pass on their skills, knowledge, and wisdom to the younger generation of workers.
The enthusiasm shown by some seniors to rejoin the workforce is proof that age is just a number. In a time when we need an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to tackle the enormous economic challenges of our times, it is vital to harness the strength of the 10-million-strong seniors to build a more resilient and robust future.
We should all be reminded that each day can be a productive day for seniors as long as there are opportunities for them that are available, not just during Elderly Filipino Week but in the weeks that lie ahead.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie to release special single ‘You & Me’
Oct 4, 2023 05:51 PM
K-pop act BLACKPINK’s Jennie will release a special single that she performed during the group's world tour.
YG Entertainment announced on Oct. 4 that Jennie’s solo song “You & Me” will be released on Oct. 6, 1 p.m. KST.
BLACKPINKs' Jennie (YG Entertainment)
Jennie performed “You & Me” as a solo number during BLACKPINK’s “Born Pink” world tour.
“We decided to officially release it for the fans who accompanied them on the Born Pink world tour. We hope it will be a special gift that will bring back the emotion of that time,” according to YG Entertainment.
BLACKPINK wrapped up their world tour last Sept. 17 in Seoul after 11 months.
DSWD grants P13.5M sustainable aid to POs in DdO, enabling them to start livelihood projects
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) awarded P13.5 million worth of livelihood assistance to 45 people's organizations (POs) in Davao de Oro through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) on October 3, 2023.
Kerwin S. Gabasa, Provincial Coordinator of SLP, emphasized that the program's primary focus is to address the root causes of communist armed conflict. Its goal is to improve the socio-economic conditions of those involved by providing access to and acquiring necessary assets for them to engage in and maintain a sustainable livelihood.
Each association received seed capital funds worth P300,000 to start their chosen livelihood projects including General Merchandise, Agrivet Supply, Chicken Production, Hog Raising, Rice Retailing, Water Refilling, Minimart, and others.
Gabasa also expressed gratitude for the convergence effort - to the provincial government headed by Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, security sectors, and partner agencies for their support in identifying the qualified beneficiaries and monitoring the program's progress.
In her message, Governor Gonzaga encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize government assistance efficiently and strive to develop it for the betterment of the association's members.
“Atong paningkamotan nga ipaabot nila nga mitubo ang atong kwarta kay usa kini sa atong responsibilidad ug kanunay magpabilin ang tulo ka K, mao ang “Kakugi, Kaalam, ug Kahibalo” aron ang atong asosasyon mo lambo pa pag-ayu,” statement of Jonathan V. Alcala, Osmena Farmers Association President.
To date, 88 EO70 SLP associations from 2020 to 2023 have received livelihood assistance from the agency. The OPAPRU-NFA also provided one sack of rice to 34 people rescued from DDOPPO and the 1001st Brigade.
COL Gerry M Besana, LTC Michael T Aquino, PCPT Analou F Hormigas, PSWDO Head Josephine Frasco, and DSWD XI personnel attended the ceremony at the Capitol Lobby. (Rheafe Hortizano) Provincial Administrator’s Office – Information and Public Relations Division
4th Floor, Executive Building, Provincial Capitol Complex, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Just be cool when contradicted
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
REMEMBER that gospel episode where the disciples of Christ were not welcomed in a Samaritan town because their destination was Jerusalem? (cfr. Lk 9,51-56) They suggested to Christ that they “call down fire from heaven to consume them.” To which Christ just rebuked his disciples and instead went to another village.
The obvious lesson to learn is that we should not make things worse by adding fuel to the fire, or by responding to evil with evil, out of a hurt sense of righteousness or of a zeal that has gone bitter and has done away with the duty of charity. We should rather look for other ways of defusing the situation, just as Christ did.
Sometime ago, there was this drag queen who made fun of Christ. His video became viral in an instant as strong negative reactions rained on him or her or whatever pronoun may now be applied to this individual. Several cities declared the drag queen as persona non grata.
But the drag queen stood his ground, trying to rationalize his/her actuation by saying that he was misunderstood, and that no one bothered to talk to him about why he did it, and that he meant well with what he did since it was done for the sake of art.
Well, everyone will always have some reason for any action he takes. Of course, not all reasons are right. But for as long as the person concerned feels he was right in doing something that objectively is wrong or is considered wrong by the majority, he deserves to be heard and given some clarification, correction and penalty that may be due.
He should not be simply dumped, ostracized and practically considered an untouchable evil. That’s not human, let alone Christian. The proper way to deal with him is to reach out to him to help him.
The way to go is to love everybody, irrespective of who or how one is. Christ even told us to love our enemies. If we have this kind of love, then we would have zero bitterness against anyone who may contradict us, because as St. Paul said, true charity “takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Cor 13,6-7)
We have to learn to be patient in handling the contradictions that we can encounter in our life. We just have to look for an alternative way in resolving issues and situations like this.
We have to learn the art of loving with the love of God as shown by Christ on the cross. It is a love that is patient, willing to suffer for the others. It is gratuitously given, even if it is not reciprocated.
We have to make sure that we are always burning with the zeal of love. We have the danger to fall easily into complacency, lukewarmness, mediocrity. We should always be on the lookout for these perils.
We need to fill our mind and heart with love, and all that love brings—goodness, patience, understanding and compassion, mercy, gratuitous acts of service, generosity and magnanimity.
Yes, there’s effort involved here. Great, tremendous effort, in fact. But all this stands first of all on the terra firma that is God’s grace, which is always given to us in abundance if we care to ask and receive it. Nothing human, no matter how well done, would prosper unless it is infused also with God’s grace.
Should the schools in the Philippines to continue to use languages other than Filipino and English...
Datu Ulap
... like Cebuano, Ilocano and Hiligaynon as a medium of instruction even the mother tongue subject was removed recently by the Dept of Education?
Yes.
Tagalog is not the only language in the Philippines.
The Philippines is not a homogenous country, and should not be seen as such. Each region has its own ethnic people, complete with their own languages and cultures. To stop instruction in regional languages would mean to erase the diversity that exists in the country.
Daily conversations in places outside Tagalog-speaking areas or predominantly Tagalog provinces, unsurprisingly, do not use Tagalog. Every day people living around Lake Lanao will speak Maranao. Vendors in a market in Iloilo will make transactions in Hiligaynon. Batok artists in the highlands of Buscalan will speak Kalinga. Conversations around San Fernando will be in Kapampangan. And the list goes on. The amount of languages and cultures just shows how diverse the country really is.
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