Category: General

COTABATO—The Philippine government has officially designated the Tupi Information Technology (IT) Park in South Cotabato as a Special Economic Zone, aimed at attracting foreign investment and boosting economic growth in the region. The proclamation, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 2, follows a recommendation from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

According to Philippines News Agency, the designation of Tupi IT Park as a Special Economic Zone is in line with Republic Act (RA) No. 7916, or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995. The area covered by Proclamation No. 530 includes Lot 1-C-5-A (LRC) Psd-198686 TCT No. 145-2015001381, situated along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi town. This strategic move is expected to facilitate enhanced economic activities and development in the area.

Ilocos Norte, Philippines - A no-sail zone will be established in the coastal waters of Ilocos Norte starting Monday to accommodate the counter-landing live-fire exercises at La Paz Sand Dunes as part of the Balikatan 2024 military exercises. The exercises, which involve joint forces from the Philippines and the United States, will continue until May 10.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Balikatan 2024 executive agent, the notice to mariners was issued three weeks prior with approval from the Philippine Coast Guard. The measure is intended to ensure the safety of fishermen and commercial vessels that usually operate in the area. Col. Logico communicated these details during a press conference held Sunday at the office of Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc.

The exercises will feature around 600 Filipino and American troops equipped with high-powered weaponry. The live-fire drills are part of a counter-landing strategy aimed at thwarting hostile forces from establishing a foothold on national territory. The United States Army, Philippine Army, and Philippine Marine Corps will demonstrate joint artillery operations, including the use of 105mm and 155mm howitzers, four tanks from the Armor Division, a fast attack craft from the Philippine Navy, and several high-tech weapon systems from the US Marine Corps and Air Force.

Governor Manotoc has expressed his commitment to overseeing the exercises closely, ensuring that the safety of the local population and environmental integrity are maintained. He assured the public of his availability to address any concerns arising during the exercise period.

Subic, Philippines - Euan Arrow Ramos and Eleora Avanzado emerged victorious in the Super Sprint 13-15 category at the 2024 Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) on Sunday. Ramos, a member of the Baguio Benget Triathlon team, won the men's race with a time of 35 minutes and 34 seconds at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Freeport Boardwalk. Following Ramos, Peter Sancho Del Rosario and Diego Jose Dimayuga, both from Get Coach'D Army, secured the silver and bronze medals with times of 36:42 and 36:58 respectively.

According to Philippines News Agency, Avanzado won the women's gold medal with a finishing time of 39:26. The event, sponsored by NTT and Asian Triathlon and organized by Triathlon Philippines in cooperation with SBMA, also saw Christy Ann Perez and Yvaine Osias clinching silver and bronze with times of 40:00 and 41:42 respectively. The podium finishers have their sights set on representing the Philippines at the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026.

In other categories of the event, numerous athletes stood out. Daniel Cadavos dominated the Sprint age group 16-19 men's category, while John Wayne Ybanez led the men's 20-29. The competition also included impressive performances in age groups ranging from 30 to above 50, highlighting the depth and talent present at this year's SuBIT.

The younger categories were not without their stars. In the Super Tri-Kids events, notable winners included Bruen Lukas Platz in the boys' 11-12 category and Lauren Lee Tan in the equivalent girls' category. The youngest participants, Ruan Azriel Santos and Jan Cristel Culanag, topped the 6-and-under category, promising a bright future for the sport in the Philippines.

Pasay City, Philippines - The University of Santo Tomas (UST) extended its season by defeating top-seeded Far Eastern University (FEU) in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19, 28-26, during the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday. The win forces a do-or-die match in the quest for a finals slot.

According to Philippines News Agency, this victory marked a significant turnaround for UST, known as the Golden Spikers, who had been defeated by FEU, the Tamaraws, in both of their elimination round matchups. Josh Ybañez led UST with 15 points, 13 receptions, and six digs. UST, historically dominant with four consecutive championships from Seasons 70 to 73, will face FEU once more to decide who advances to the finals.

In related events, the women's volleyball team of UST will also play a crucial game, attempting to secure the first finals berth by facing fourth-ranked De La Salle University. This match is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. On the same day, the second-seeded National University men’s team will face La Salle in their semifinal matchup, with additional matches including UST-FEU and NU-FEU in both men's and women's divisions.

MANILA: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued warnings about dangerous heat index levels expected in 30 areas across the country for Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, these areas might experience heat indices ranging from 42°C to 47°C, posing significant health risks. Areas like Dagupan City, Pangasinan could see indices as high as 47°C. The agency has advised the public to minimize outdoor activities, especially during midday, to stay hydrated and to wear protective clothing if going outside. Additionally, PAGASA forecasts that the Davao Region and Sarangani will face cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to easterlies, while Metro Manila and other parts of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

HONOLULU: The defense chiefs of the Philippines, Japan, the United States, and Australia have jointly criticized China for its use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea. The statement came after a meeting among Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles at the Indo-Pacific Command Headquarters in Honolulu on May 2.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ministers expressed strong objections to China's actions, which they described as dangerous and destabilizing, specifically citing China's obstruction of Philippine vessels and disruptions to supply lines at Second Thomas Shoal. They reaffirmed their commitment to uphold freedom of navigation and urged China to adhere to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea, pledging further cooperation for regional security and stability.

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. celebrated World Press Freedom Day by commending journalists for their crucial role in maintaining transparency and combating misinformation. In a statement on X, Marcos highlighted the essential function of journalists as the defenders against the spread of fake news and misinformation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) further underscored its commitment to press freedom, emphasizing its efforts to protect journalists' rights and improve their working conditions. The PCO vows to support journalists in their efforts to provide accurate information and to maintain a free and independent press.

MANILA: Filipino conjoined twins are scheduled to fly to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for surgical separation on May 5. During a media briefing, KSA Ambassador to the Philippines, Hisham Sultan Abdullah Alqahtani, highlighted that this medical intervention is part of the kingdom's commitment to humanitarian initiatives, specifically in the realm of conjoined twin separation where the KSA has become a leader. The twins, Akhizah and Ayeesha Yusoph, will receive the treatment free of charge, reflecting the kingdom's ongoing contribution to humanitarian causes.

According to Philippines News Agency, this surgery is not just a medical intervention but also a chance for a better future for the twins. The procedure, which costs over PHP500,000, will be overseen by a Saudi medical team and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. The twins' mother, Hashima Yusoph, will accompany them throughout the process.

MANILA: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) emphasized the significance of providing free licensure review for agriculture students to enhance the Philippine agricultural sector's prospects and support national food security. This initiative was highlighted by CHED Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III during a press conference following the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the University of the Philippines Los Baños and 15 state universities and colleges.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 'Review and Strategy Program to Empower Students for Licensure Examination for Agriculturists' is crucial for generating qualified agriculturists, especially as the current farmer population ages. The program aims to increase enrollment in agriculture programs and improve the passing rates of licensure exams, which currently stand at 35.56 percent. The review will be conducted online and will cover key topics necessary for the licensure exam, benefiting around 500 students from various geographical locations with good internet connectivity.

MANILA: A senior member of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has reiterated the safety and agricultural benefits of genetically modified organisms like Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant, despite recent legal hurdles.

According to Philippines News Agency, Eufemio Rasco Jr., these GMOs are safe to consume and offer significant advantages for farmers, including higher yields and reduced need for pesticides. This affirmation comes in the wake of a Court of Appeals decision to halt their commercial propagation due to health and environmental concerns. Rasco emphasized that NAST supports the use of GMOs based on scientific evidence, comparing their potential to the crucial role science played during the COVID-19 pandemic. NAST has sent its position, which supports the continued use of these GMOs, to various government agencies, including the Supreme Court.

MANILA: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced readiness to assist traditional jeepney drivers impacted by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao confirmed that the department would provide immediate support upon request, though no official requests have been received yet.

According to Philippines News Agency, She detailed that aid could include food or cash assistance and livelihood programs, with a focus on those already within government support databases or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The assistance is part of the broader effort to transition to environmentally friendly public transport options, requiring operators to consolidate their franchises under cooperatives or corporations.

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA: Nearly 6,900 residents of Antique received financial assistance through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) Workers program this week, providing critical support during a severe drought affecting local agriculture.

According to Philippines News Agency, the recipients, including farmer Christian Villacan, engaged in community work to qualify for the aid, each receiving PHP4,800. The total payout of PHP32.9 million was distributed from May 1 to 3, targeting workers severely impacted by the El Niño phenomenon. Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James Ang, who facilitated the distribution, emphasized that the funds were allocated to acknowledge the hard work and contribution of the beneficiaries, providing them temporary relief and enabling them to meet basic needs amid agricultural disruptions.