GA-ASI Mojave Lights Up the Yuma Desert in Live-Fire Demonstration

Minigun Integration Showcases the Firepower and Versatility of STOL UAS; Highlights Ability to Rapidly Integrate New Multi-Mission Capabilities

SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 23, 2024 / General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) confirms that its Mojave Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) destroyed static targets in live-fire tests on April 13, 2024, validating the system's battlefield relevance and recording another milestone for the demonstrator aircraft.

GA-ASI partnered with Dillon Aero to mount two of Dillon's DAP-6 Gun Pod Systems onto the Mojave aircraft. Mojave performed seven passes across two flights during the demonstration, expending around 10,000 rounds of ammunition as the UAS shredded a variety of targets.

"Seeing our Mojave perform this live-fire demo really emphasizes the versatility of the Mojave UAS and what it can do," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. "Mojave has the ability to act as a sensor, shooter, and sustainer while mitigating threat environments and vulnerabilities and safeguarding human lives."

Mojave and its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability has built significant interest in the military and aerospace communities. Mojave is unique: a UAS with significant payload capacity that can perform in areas once considered unsuitable for UAS operations. Its ability to take off and land from unimproved landing sites at short distances as well as operate from aircraft carriers - as it did in November 2023 as part of a demonstration with the United Kingdom's Royal Navy - is capturing imaginations and changing expectations about how large unmanned systems can be used.

The live-fire demonstration took place at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, and was funded via GA-ASI's internal research and development budget.

The Mojave technical demonstrator shares common systems and components with GA-ASI's modernized Gray Eagle 25M, effectively providing an expeditionary Gray Eagle STOL capability. In addition to a wing kit option for Gray Eagle, GA-ASI is planning one for the larger MQ-9B aircraft, which includes SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models.

The actual Mojave STOL UAS with multi-mission payloads will be on display in GA-ASI's booth (#792) at the Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit in Denver, Colorado, April 24-26, 2024.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, Lynx, Predator, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Contact Information

GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com
+1 (858) 524-8101

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

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2024 U.S. Open Polo Championship(R) Closes Out Historic High-Goal Season at the Sport’s Premier Destination in Palm Beach County, Florida

Global Sports Brand U.S. Polo Assn. Supports the U.S. Open Polo Championship

WELLINGTON, FL / ACCESSWIRE / April 23, 2024 / The 2024 U.S. Open Polo Championship® has officially closed out the American high-goal polo season at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC), the sport's premier destination. The historic tournament was played from March 22 to April 21 and ended with a thrilling win by La Dolfina over Valiente in a score of 10-7 in front of a record crowd.



The U.S. Open Polo Championship is universally considered the most prestigious tournament in the United States and showcases some of the world's best polo players and equine athletes. The sport-inspired U.S. Polo Assn. brand supported the historic U.S. Open Polo Championship by co-branding jerseys for teams, elevating NPC staff uniforms, umpire outfitting, player prizes, and monetary donations to several charities.

Held at the U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field at NPC, the U.S. Open Polo Championship Final was played in front of a sold-out crowd and broadcast to a large global audience across multiple ESPN platforms. Event attendees watched the historic match from the sidelines, in stadium boxes, tailgate tents, the grandstands, or from the U.S. Polo Assn. MVP Lounge, home to the luxurious Sunday Polo Brunch. Sports fans at the tournament also had the opportunity to shop for Official U.S. Open Polo Championship Merchandise, sold exclusively on-site at the NPC Retail Shop.

The action-packed final game on Sunday, April 21, was fast-paced and filled with great plays from the world's best players on both teams, such as Alejandro Aznar, Poroto Cambiaso, Rufino Merlos, and Tomas Panelo on La Dolfina and Adolfo Cambiaso, Mariano ‘Peke' Gonzalez Jr., Paco de Narvaez Jr., and Joaquin ‘Pelo' Vilgre La Madrid on Valiente. For the first time, the rivalry between father Adolfo Cambiaso, on Valiente, and son Poroto Cambiaso, on La Dolfina, faced off in the U.S. Open Polo Championship, captivating spectators as they battled for victory. La Dolfina prevailed in the closing minutes of the 6th chukker, taking home the illustrious U.S. Open Polo Championship title and the highly coveted trophy for the first time in organization history. La Dolfina's goals were collectively scored by Poroto Cambiaso with three goals, his second appearance in the U.S. Open Polo Championship, Rufina Merlos with one goal during his tournament debut, and a team-high of six goals by Tomas Panelo during his first appearance in the tournament.

"Congratulations to La Dolfina on an incredibly well-fought victory in one of the sport's most historic tournaments, the U.S. Open Polo Championship. All teams throughout this tournament and others during the American high-goal season at the USPA National Polo Center are excellent examples of sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication to the sport of polo," said Stewart Armstrong, Chairman of the United States Polo Association. "Thank you to all of our athletes, sponsors, and sports fans for making this another unforgettable season for the United States Polo Association."

Throughout the season, U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), has donated some $100,000 to polo charities and equine welfare, including the following organizations: Homes for Horses Coalition, Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, Polo for Life, Polo Players Support Group, Polo Pony Rescue, Polo Training Foundation, Replay Polo, Retired Racehorse Project, St. Mary's Medical Center, Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, and Work to Ride Program.

"U.S. Polo Assn. is honored to once again support the U.S. Open Polo Championship and promote sports tourism in beautiful Palm Beach County through iconic tournaments held at the USPA National Polo Center and shown on ESPN platforms. This historic tournament is one of the top sporting events of the spring season, alongside NCAA Basketball, The Masters, and the Kentucky Derby," said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. "As another successful high-goal, American season is closed out, we look forward to next year and bringing the sport of polo to even more sports fans and consumers locally and around the world."

Relive the excitement by watching the broadcast of the U.S. Open Polo Championship on ESPN2 on Sunday, April 28, at 8:30 p.m. EDT, as well as on ESPNews and ESPN Deportes in the Spanish language. Check your local listing for air times.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the country's oldest sports governing bodies, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. A recent, multi-year deal with ESPN to broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., has made the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized around the world with awards for global growth, expansion, licensing, and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, particularly in the last five years, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn. 

USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com.

About the United States Polo Association® (USPA)

The United States Polo Association was organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions, and games, and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games, including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts. Founded in 1890, the USPA is the national governing body for the sport of polo. The USPA is currently comprised of almost 200 member clubs with thousands of individual members and oversees 40 national tournaments. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

Contact Information

Stacey Kovalsky
VP Global PR and Communications
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+001.561.790.8036

Shannon Stilson
VP, Sports Marketing & Media
sstilson@uspagl.com
+001.561.227.6994

SOURCE: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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Moolec Becomes First Molecular Farming Company to Achieve USDA Approval for Plant-Grown Animal Proteins

LUXEMBOURG / ACCESSWIRE / April 22, 2024 / Moolec Science SA (NASDAQ:MLEC)("The company"), a Molecular Farming food-ingredient company, announced today that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ("APHIS") of the U.S. Department of Agriculture ("USDA") has concluded its Regulatory Status Review ("RSR") for Moolec's genetically engineered ("GE") soybean Piggy Sooy™. See post online here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/23-234-01rsr-response.pdf [1].

USDA Piggy Sooy
USDA Piggy Sooy



The USDA-APHIS RSR determines that Moolec's genetically engineered soybean, accumulating animal meat protein, is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk relative to non-engineered soybeans. Therefore, it is not subject to the APHIS regulation that governs the movement of organisms modified or produced through genetic engineering (as described in 7 CFR part 340).

"Moolec embraced Nasdaq's slogan 'Rewrite Tomorrow' and took it literally! We achieved an unprecedented milestone in biotechnology with the first-ever USDA-APHIS approval of this kind," stated Gastón Paladini, Moolec Science's CEO & Co-Founder. "We are unlocking the power of plants by leveraging science to overcome climate change and global food security concerns. I am very proud of the Moolec team, creating value for shareholders and the planet at the same time."

This milestone reinforces Moolec's B2B go-to-market strategy for Piggy Sooy™ product, an innovative, functional, and nutritious ingredient. By adding a well-known animal meat protein (porcine myoglobin) to the standard soybean proteins, the company expects to provide food manufacturers with a unique ingredient that will have a positive carbon and water footprint.

Martin Salinas, Chief of Technology & Co-Founder at Moolec, enthusiastically announced: "We believe this milestone sets the stage for a revolution in the food-industrial biotech landscape, paving the way for expedited adoption of Molecular Farming technology by other industry players. Also, this compelling advancement signifies a stride in enhancing our operational efficiency, transforming our methods of raw material sourcing, and optimizing our downstream crushing and processing operations."

In June 2023, the company announced that Piggy Sooy™ seeds had achieved high levels of expression of pork protein (up to 26.6% of the total soluble protein) and had patented their technology. The company clarifies that Piggy Sooy™ development is set to keep moving forward completing the necessary consultation with the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). Moolec declares to be engaged in the consultation process with the FDA, representing the next pivotal regulatory milestone preceding the commercial availability of Piggy Sooy™ ingredient.

About Moolec Science SA

Moolec is a science-based ingredient company leader in the use of Molecular Farming technology for food and dietary supplementation markets. The Company's mission is to create unique food ingredients by engineering plants with animal protein genes. Its purpose is to redefine the way the world produces animal proteins, for good and for all. Moolec's technological approach aims to have the cost structure of plant-based solutions with the nutrition and functionality of animal-based ones. Moolec's technology has been under development for more than a decade and is known for pioneering the production of a bovine protein in a crop for the food industry. The Company's product portfolio and pipeline leverages the agronomic efficiency of broadly used target crops, like soybean, pea, and safflower to produce oils and proteins. Moolec also has an industrial and commercial R&D capability to complement the company's Molecular Farming technology. Moolec secures a growing international patent portfolio (25+, both granted and pending) for its Molecular Farming technology. The Company is run by a diverse team of Ph.Ds and Food Insiders, and operates in the United States, Europe, and South America. For more information, visit moolecscience.com and ir.moolecscience.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "intend," "seek," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward-looking statements with respect to performance, prospects, revenues, and other aspects of the business of Moolec are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors, about which we cannot be certain. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results, including, among others, changes in applicable laws or regulations, the possibility that Moolec may be adversely affected by economic, business and/or other competitive factors, costs related to the scaling up of Moolec's business and other risks and uncertainties, including those included under the header "Risk Factors" in Moolec's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as well as Moolec's other filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Accordingly, you should not put undue reliance on these statements.

Contacts:

[1] In the first paragraph of the USDA-APHIS online response letter, please note that the term "gene editing" should be understood as "genetic engineering" due to an unintentional error that may be addressed in the coming days.

Contact Information

Catalina Jones
Chief of Staff & Sustainability
comms@moolecscience.com

Investor Relations
ir@moolecscience.com

Related Files

Moolec Becomes First Molecular Farming Company to Achieve USDA Approval for Plant-Grown Animal Proteins - 2024.04.22
MLEC logo

SOURCE: Moolec Science

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Giambattista Valli ทำให้บาร์เซโลน่าตื่นตาตื่นใจใน Bridal Night

บาร์เซโลนา สเปน, April 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — แฟชั่นโชว์สุดพิเศษของ Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week ดึงดูดแขกกว่า 450 คนเมื่อคืนนี้ ซึ่งเพลิดเพลินกับการแสดงที่ไม่เหมือนใครในอาคารเก่าแก่ของ Llotja de Mar ไมซอนของ Giambattista Valli เฉลิมฉลองให้กับการเปิดตัวคอลเลกชันเจ้าสาวบนรันเวย์ใน Bridal Night ซึ่งเป็นงานกาลาตอนเย็นของงานที่ Fira de Barcelona จัดขึ้นโดยได้รับการสนับสนุนจากกระทรวงธุรกิจและแรงงานแห่งแคว้นคาตาลัน

ในการแสดงสุดพิเศษ ผลงานสร้างสรรค์ 30 ชิ้นของ Giambattista Valli เปล่งประกายด้วยแสงในตัวมันเอง นี่คือจุดสุดยอดของภาพเงา ซึ่งแสดงถึงนิทรรศการที่ครอบคลุมเกี่ยวกับแนวคิดชุดเจ้าสาวร่วมสมัยของ Mr. Valli โดยเชิญชวนให้ผู้ชมร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานในการแสดงวิสัยทัศน์ของเขา ซึ่งตีความเป็นงานนำเสนอที่รวบรวมแก่นแท้ของความเป็นปัจเจกบุคคล การแบ่งปันความฝัน การเฉลิมฉลอง และความรัก

แฟชั่นโชว์ประกอบด้วยชุดสิบชุดจาก “คอลเลกชันความรัก” ครั้งที่สามภาพเงาสิบแบบอันเป็นเอกลักษณ์จาก “คอลเลกชันความรัก” ครั้งแรกและครั้งที่สอง และผลงานการสร้างสรรค์ฮิวเต คูทัวร์ สิบชิ้น ซึ่งสร้างแรงบันดาลใจในความยิ่งใหญ่และความชำนาญของแอเทอเลียร์ โดยโดดเด่นกว่าพิธีแต่งงานแบบคลาสสิก และมุ่งเน้นไปที่ความสำคัญของอารมณ์ความรู้สึกของ “ช่วงเวลา” และความสุขของการเฉลิมฉลอง เมื่อผสมผสานกับความงดงามและความเป็นเลิศของไมซอน ชุดของ Valli โดดเด่นด้วยแนวคิดร่วมสมัย ไม่ว่าจะผ่านเส้นสายที่สะอาดตา ปริมาณที่ไม่อาจลืมเลือน หรือรายละเอียดที่ไม่คาดคิด ซึ่งได้รับแรงบันดาลใจจากบุคลิกของกลุ่มใหม่ในจินตนาการ นั่นคือเพื่อนของ Mr. Valli การผสมผสานระหว่างความคลาสสิกและความทันสมัยดึงดูดใจเจ้าสาวทั่วโลกที่กำลังมองหาชุดแต่งงานที่มีเอกลักษณ์เฉพาะตัว ในสไตล์ Valli ล้วนๆ และเชื่อมโยงกับเรื่องราวส่วนตัวของพวกเธอเอง

นักออกแบบชื่อดังรู้สึกยินดีเป็นอย่างยิ่งหลังจบการแสดง และกล่าวว่า “ฉันเลือกบาร์เซโลนาและ Bridal Fashion Week สำหรับการเปิดตัวคอลเลกชันความรัก 3 ของฉัน เพราะเป็นงานที่ดึงดูดผู้ชมที่หลากหลาย ทั้งผู้ชื่นชอบแฟชั่น นักออกแบบ ผู้ซื้อ และสื่อจากทั่วทุกมุมโลก และทำให้ฉันมองเห็นทั่วโลกและมีโอกาสประสบความสำเร็จสูงสุด” เขากล่าวเสริมว่า “นอกจากนี้ บรรยากาศโรแมนติกและความเป็นสากลของบาร์เซโลนายังเข้ากันได้อย่างลงตัวกับธีมคอลเลกชันของฉัน ซึ่งเฉลิมฉลองความรักและความโรแมนติก

งาน Barcelona Bridal Night มีผู้ชมที่หรูหราและอยู่แถวหน้า รวมถึงสาวไอที นางแบบ และไอคอนแฟชั่นระดับนานาชาติ Olivia Palermo, นางแบบและเคาน์เตส Lara Cosima Henckel von Donnersmarck, สไตลิสต์และดีไซเนอร์ Pelayo Diaz, นักแสดงหญิง Hiba Abouk, นักแสดงหญิงและนางแบบ Blanca Romero, นางแบบ Marco Llorente และพิธีกรรายการทีวีและนักแสดง Marta Torné รวมถึงบุคคลอื่น ๆ มากมาย

รูปภาพพร้อมให้ดูได้ที่นี่

หากสื่อมวลชนต้องการสอบถาม กรุณาติดต่อ:

Salvador Bilurbina
อีเมล: sbilurbina@firabarcelona.com
โทร: +34628162674

lobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000945947

Joshua Umandal Secures Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week Honor

MANILA – Cignal's Joshua Umandal was named the Spikers' Turf Press Corps Player of the Week for his standout performances in recent matches, helping his team maintain an unbeaten record and secure a spot in the Final Four.

According to Philippines News Agency, Umandal achieved a conference-high 36 points through 32 attacks, three blocks, and one ace in Cignal’s recent game against D'Navigators Iloilo on April 17. The match concluded with scores of 21-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-19, 15-7, marking Cignal's sixth consecutive win. Umandal, a national team mainstay and the 2023 Open Conference Most Valuable Player, expressed his surprise at his own success, attributing much of it to the collective effort of his team rather than his individual performance alone. He highlighted his desire to contribute rather than focus solely on scoring.

Umandal surpassed other nominees including Jude Garcia of Criss Cross, John Diwa of Savouge, and Kenneth Culabat of VNS-Nasty for this weekly accolade, awarded by journalists from various print and online media outlets who cover the league. This recognition comes despite the physical and mental challenges posed by consecutive five-set matches, which Umandal acknowledged as demanding. He emphasized the necessity of overcoming fatigue and maintaining focus to not let the efforts of his team go to waste.

The HD Spikers, with Umandal’s significant contributions, will next face VNS-Nasty on April 24 at Paco Arena in Manila, seeking their seventh consecutive victory in the competition.

Benguet Provincial Government Urged to Recognize Mining Sites as Heritage Areas

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has called on the provincial government of Benguet to include mining sites in their cultural heritage mapping efforts. NHCP Secretary General Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares emphasized the significant role mining has played in the region's history and economy during his speech at the awarding ceremony of the Benguet Indigenous Youth Arts Guild (BIYAG) held at the provincial capitol on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, recognizing these sites could help preserve structures from the colonial period that might be repurposed into tourism attractions, similar to practices in other countries. This inclusion not only aims to protect these areas but also potentially generate revenue, aiding in their preservation. He highlighted that identifying and maintaining historical sites are key to sustainable development, insisting on the importance of not compromising cultural and environmental integrity.

Henares further noted the advantages brought by the Cultural Mapping Law, which allows for government funds to be allocated for the conservation and protection of historical sites, even those privately owned. He underscored the practicality of preservation over removal, given the durable nature of many historical structures.

DOH Sets Goal to Immunize Over 104,000 Children in Ilocos Region This Year

ILOCOS - The Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) has set a target to immunize 104,281 children this year through its 'Everyday Bakuna Day' program.

According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative aims to address the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases by making immunization services available daily at all primary healthcare facilities in the region.

Dr. Sydiongco stated on Monday that the program allows parents and caregivers the flexibility to bring their children for vaccinations any day of the week, from Monday to Friday, moving away from the traditional "Wednesday vaccination day." This approach is intended to increase accessibility and ensure that more children are protected against diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, poliovirus, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Human Papilloma Virus, and others.

Dr. Rheuel Bobis, a medical officer at DOH-CHD-1, emphasized that vaccines for measles, rubella, pertussis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases are provided free of charge at government hospitals and health centers. The urgency of this campaign is highlighted by the recent increase in measles cases in the region, which have risen to 38 to date this year, up from 27 for the entirety of the previous year. Additionally, a confirmed case of pertussis has been recorded, further underscoring the need for widespread immunization.

DENR Urges Public Involvement to Combat Plastic Pollution in the Philippines

PASAY CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) emphasized the urgent need for public engagement to tackle the growing issue of plastic waste in the Philippines, reporting an annual production of approximately 2.7 million tons of plastic waste.

According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the Earth Day Every Day project launch, a significant portion of this waste ends up in harmful locations such as landfills, dumpsites, rivers, and even the country's water supply systems.

Yulo-Loyzaga highlighted the alarming fact that about 20 percent of the nation's plastic waste ultimately contaminates the ocean. She remarked on the comprehensive challenges posed by plastic waste, noting that it includes everyday items from market packaging to food wrappers, totaling about 61,000 metric tons of solid waste produced daily in the country. The upcoming 2024 Earth Day celebration, themed 'Planet vs. Plastics,' aims to raise awareness about the enduring nature of plastics and their severe implications for public health, ecosystem viability, and climate change mitigation efforts.

The DENR Secretary also pointed out the pervasive issue of microplastics, which have been found in raindrops, and the broader environmental impact of plastics produced from fossil fuels. She underscored the economic losses due to the disposal of recyclable plastics, which cost the Philippines approximately USD89 million annually.

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, which became law on July 30, 2022, was cited as a critical legislative step toward addressing this issue. This law shifts the responsibility for waste management from local governments to producers and manufacturers, promoting the reduction of plastic usage through the development of more sustainable packaging and the enhancement of recycling efforts.

Yulo-Loyzaga noted that over 800 large companies have committed to initiatives aimed at reducing plastic use, including developing alternative packaging solutions and enhancing recycling processes. These companies also pledged to engage in educational activities to elevate public awareness of the environmental impacts of plastic pollution.

Emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort, Yulo-Loyzaga called for a whole-of-society approach to achieve meaningful progress towards reducing plastic pollution. She stressed that effective change starts at the individual level and requires active participation from all sectors, including households, educational institutions, and experts.

Panaad Sa Negros Festival Reports Reduced Sales Amid Economic Concerns

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental — The Panaad Sa Negros Festival, known as the "festival of all festivals" in Negros Occidental, concluded on Sunday with total sales amounting to PHP19.25 million, reflecting a decrease from the previous year. The week-long event, which featured 32 local government unit (LGU) pavilions along with agriculture and veterinary exhibits, trade fairs, food alleys, and garden shows, took place from April 15 to 21 at the Panaad Park and Stadium.

According to Philippines News Agency, this year's festival sales were down by 18.65 percent, equivalent to a PHP4.413 million drop from last year's PHP23.663 million. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson cited a reduction in the purchasing power of the Negrense middle class as a key factor behind the lower sales figures. He noted that while attendance was high, spending did not match the levels seen in previous years.

Governor Lacson observed significant attendance at key events such as the Best of Festival Dances Competition, Pop Dance Competition, and the Lin-ay Sang Negros coronation night, with venues filled to capacity. However, he pointed out that the young demographic present at the festival tended not to spend as much.

The 2023 edition marked the first full-scale return of the Panaad Sa Negros Festival since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago. In his closing remarks, Governor Lacson praised the collaborative efforts of the LGUs with the provincial government, which he said exceeded constituents' expectations for this year's event. He encouraged attendees to cherish the memories and connections made during the festival as they look forward to a hopeful future for Negros Occidental.

Palawan Capital Enhances Fire Preparedness in Response to Severe Heat Wave

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in Puerto Princesa is intensifying its efforts to combat potential fire outbreaks as the city faces an unprecedented heat wave. This move follows a recent wildfire in Barangay San Rafael that consumed approximately 60 hectares of open fields on April 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, the office has upgraded its early warning systems to ensure swift response to fire incidents, potentially preventing them from spiraling out of control. The city has also equipped its firefighters with personal protective gear and specialized tools, including 10-cubic meter water tankers designed for extinguishing forest fires.

Timbancaya detailed further enhancements, including the acquisition of a man bucket capable of reaching up to the fourth floor of a building and plans to procure a rescue ladder that could reach the city's tallest structures. Additionally, village personnel have been supplied with sirens and public address systems to rapidly alert both authorities and residents in the event of a fire.

The CDRRMO is also preparing for the heat wave's broader impacts, including potential threats to agriculture and public health. Although the city's Incident Command System (ICS) for extreme drought conditions is established, it has not yet been activated. The ICS is designed to enable collaborative efforts among various city hall departments to mitigate risks associated with severe weather events.

The CDRRMO noted that the current heat wave, which began on March 27 and persisted until April 22, might be the most severe on record for Puerto Princesa, surpassing the high temperatures of the 2016 and 2019 dry spells. Between April 17 and 22, the city's heat index never dipped below 42 degrees Celsius, with forecasts predicting highs of 44 degrees in the coming days.

Cagayan de Oro Lawmaker Challenges University Economists on Foreign Ownership Restrictions

CAGAYAN DE ORO – A prominent House leader has publicly disagreed with economists from the University of the Philippines School of Economics regarding constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership, which he identifies as a major barrier to foreign investment in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, chair of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, the current limitations on foreign equity within the Philippine Constitution are key deterrents for foreign businesses considering investments in the country. His comments were in response to a position paper from UPSE professors, who argued that removing these restrictions might increase uncertainty for investors due to potential legislative changes. The professors urged lawmakers to focus instead on improving infrastructure, connectivity, addressing corruption, and enforcing the rule of law to attract foreign direct investments.

Rodriguez countered that addressing economic restrictions and other investment factors are not conflicting goals and should be pursued simultaneously. He criticized the UP economists for their stance against constitutional economic amendments, labeling them as obstructive to development and employment. In contrast, Rodriguez highlighted support from the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), which includes notable former economic leaders like Gary Teves, Gerardo Sicat, and Felipe Medalla. They support amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution to enhance legislative flexibility and attract more foreign investments, which they believe would lead to job creation and economic growth.

The FEF responded to the UP economists by stating that amending restrictive economic provisions would clarify uncertainties for investors caused by the current constitutional contradictions and legislative efforts to address them. They also noted the risk of enacted laws being challenged as unconstitutional, referencing ongoing Supreme Court cases regarding the Public Service Act, which affect the telecommunication and transportation sectors' policy environment.

The House recently passed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7, aiming to amend economic constitutional provisions regarding public utilities, education, and advertising, which includes legislative measures to potentially relax these restrictions. The Senate is set to resume discussions on the corresponding RBH 6 when Congress reconvenes on April 29.

New Ferry Route Expected to Enhance Tourism Between Dinagat Islands and Siargao

DEL CARMEN, Siargao - A new ferry route linking Dinagat Islands with Siargao Island was inaugurated on Monday, marking a significant step expected to increase tourism flows and economic exchanges between the two islands. The route commenced with a maiden voyage from Del Carmen on Siargao Island to Cagdianao on Dinagat Islands.

According to Philippines News Agency, the mayor of Del Carmen, the event was attended by local officials and stakeholders, emphasizing the route's potential to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products and bolster local tourism. The ferry journey, taking approximately one hour, was completed with the arrival of the passengers at Cagdianao port, where they were greeted by Dinagat Island Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. and Mayor Marc Adelson Longos.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate the economic activities of the islands, with Coro highlighting the establishment of a food hub in Del Carmen by the provincial government of Dinagat. This hub aims to streamline the supply chain for essential goods, including vegetables, fruits, poultry, and meat, responding to the growing demand in tourist hotspots like General Luna on Siargao.

Governor Demerey underscored the strategic importance of the new ferry service, which allows for direct shipment of goods between the islands without transiting through mainland Surigao del Norte. He expressed optimism about the new route's role in opening up various opportunities for both tourism and agricultural sectors.

The maiden voyage was not just a ceremonial trip but also a functional one, carrying 47 passengers that included local officials, media personnel, and both local and international tourists. Governor Demerey also announced plans to evaluate the impact of this new connection on the islands' tourism and economy after a year.