Day: December 9, 2023

Manila – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has expressed confidence that the Philippines is on track to achieve its economic growth target of 6 percent by the end of the year.

According to Philippines News Agency, speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, the country is expected to reach or closely approach the low end of its growth target. This optimism is bolstered by the Philippines recording the strongest third-quarter growth among major Asian economies at 5.9 percent, culminating in a 5.5 percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion for the first nine months of 2023. Comparative third-quarter growth rates include Vietnam at 5.3 percent, Indonesia and China at 4.9 percent, and Malaysia at 3.3 percent.

Edillon cited the Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) and the recent decline in unemployment rates, which fell to 4.2 percent in October from 4.5 percent a year earlier, as indicators supporting the GDP forecast. She highlighted the positive employment numbers and the PMI’s robust performance, expressing hope for the remainder of the year and beyond.

NEDA observed a job growth spurt in sectors such as accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and information technology-business process outsourcing. Additionally, Edillon pointed to the gradual recovery of industries heavily impacted by the pandemic, like tourism, which has already exceeded its target of 4.8 million foreign visitors. Before the pandemic, tourism contributed approximately 12.7 percent to the country’s GDP.

Further positive news comes from the improving inflation rate, which eased to 4.1 percent in November, down from 4.9 percent in October. Notably, national-level food inflation decelerated to 5.8 percent in November from 7.1 percent the previous month, with key food items like pork, sugar, and vegetables showing price decreases. However, rice costs rose, attributed partly to a slowdown in importation due to global supply constraints and expectations of El Niño impacts.

Edillon mentioned President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s price cap imposition in September as a contributing factor to the lower inflation rate, alongside the harvest season in late September and October, which combined to influence the November pricing.

New York – The United States exercised its veto power in the United Nations Security Council on Friday, blocking a draft resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, amidst escalating violence and increasing casualties.

According to Philippines News Agency, co-sponsored by nearly 100 UN member states and supported by 13 of the Security Council members, there was a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and adherence to international law, especially the protection of civilians. The United Kingdom, another permanent council member, abstained from the vote. The resolution, introduced by the United Arab Emirates, aimed to address the growing death toll in the 63-day conflict, which has now surpassed 17,400.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter for the first time since his tenure began in 2017, called for the establishment of a ceasefire, citing the inability to conduct “meaningful humanitarian operations” in Gaza under current conditions.

Mohamed Abushahab, the UAE’s representative, expressed disappointment at the resolution’s failure, stressing the council’s growing isolation from global public opinion and its founding principles. He vowed that the UAE would continue advocating for the council’s action to end the violence.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric reaffirmed the Secretary-General’s commitment to pushing for a humanitarian ceasefire and the continuation of UN humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

The US representative to the UN, Robert Wood, stated the Biden administration’s position, arguing that a ceasefire would only serve to maintain Hamas’s control over Gaza. He emphasized the temporary nature of any ceasefire under Hamas’s ideology of destruction and the need for a sustainable solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.

The conflict has resulted in over 17,000 deaths in Gaza, predominantly women and children, with more than 46,000 injured and approximately 1.8 million internally displaced. The war began as a retaliation to Hamas’s cross-border attack on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties and around 240 Israelis taken to Gaza as hostages. A weeklong truce facilitated the release of about 100 hostages and limited humanitarian aid to Gaza, but the assistance diminished significantly after the truce expired on December 1.

Guterres warned of the “total collapse” of the humanitarian support network in Gaza, which could lead to dire consequences for regional security and potential mass displacement into Egypt. The UN Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is currently aiding over 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza, including those seeking shelter in its facilities. The agency has reported that at least 133 UNRWA workers have been killed during the conflict, marking it as the deadliest for UN personnel, with 91 of its facilities damaged.

Iloilo City – In a significant educational development, 3,000 underprivileged students in Iloilo City have been selected to receive benefits from the newly launched Integrated Scholarships and Incentives Program (ISIP) for the Youth. This initiative was inaugurated at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) cultural center on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, ISIP for the Youth, a collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), represents a historic moment for the city. The program is part of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) under President Bongbong Marcos’ administration. Baronda emphasized the significance of Iloilo City being the venue for the nationwide launch.

Under this program, the selected students will be enrolled in CHED’s ‘Tulong Dunong’ scholarship, receiving a PHP15,000 annual grant until graduation. Additionally, they will get PHP2,000 per semester under DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations and priority in the Government’s Internship Program. This approach aims to provide them with employment opportunities and professional guidance.

The program also extends support to the unemployed parents or guardians of these students through DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, an emergency employment program.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, present at the launch, highlighted the program’s role in supporting deserving students, thereby contributing to the country’s development. The beneficiaries were selected with the assistance of the offices of Baronda, Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James Ang, and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, represented at the event by his daughter Raisa Treñas-Chu.

Beneficiaries like Denie Villaruz, a sophomore Business Administration student, and Patricia Angela Gallon, a graduating Education student, expressed their gratitude for the program’s impact on their financial burdens and educational opportunities.

The launch of ISIP for the Youth was preceded by the opening of the two-day BPSF at the Guimbal National High School gymnasium. Iloilo is the ninth province visited by the government’s service caravan, which has delivered 160 programs and services worth PHP1 billion to approximately 90,000 beneficiaries across various provinces.

Manila – The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) has issued a stern directive for Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships to immediately leave Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), following their confrontational interaction with Philippine vessels on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the incident involved “illegal and aggressive actions” by CCG ships against three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels – BRP Datu Sanday, BRP Bankaw, and BRP Datu Tamblot. These vessels were on a humanitarian mission, delivering oil subsidies and grocery packs to over 30 Filipino fishing vessels at Bajo de Masinloc. Reports indicate that the CCG used water cannons to obstruct the BFAR vessels, causing damage to the communication and navigation equipment of the BFAR vessel Datu Tamblot.

The NTF-WPS also reported the involvement of Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels in dangerous maneuvers and the deployment of a long-range acoustic device, causing temporary incapacitation to some Filipino crew members. The task force condemned these actions as illegal and inhumane, emphasizing the urgency for the Chinese government to address these aggressive activities and respect Philippine sovereignty.

The statement further highlighted that actions such as preventing the distribution of humanitarian support and installing a floating barrier at the shoal’s entrance are violations of international law. The task force reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc, located 124 nautical miles off Zambales and within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), is under Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction, as per the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Reacting to these events, the Chinese Embassy in Manila, through a statement from Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin, accused the Philippines of escalating maritime disputes and urged for a return to negotiation and consultation for resolving these issues. China maintains its claim over Bajo de Masinloc, referring to it as Huangyan Dao or Huangyan Island.

International condemnation followed, with United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson describing China’s actions as “aggressive and illegal,” violating international law and endangering lives. Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa expressed serious concerns and reaffirmed Japan’s recognition of the 2016 arbitral ruling. Canadian Ambassador David Hartman labeled the actions as “dangerous and escalatory,” and European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron emphasized the legal binding nature of the 2016 UNCLOS Tribunal Award, underscoring its importance in peacefully resolving disputes.