Day: December 31, 2023

Hai Phong: With the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago recently becoming Vietnam’s first inter-provincial UNESCO-listed world heritage site, the job to ensure a harmony between the conservation of the archipelago and the exploitation of related economic benefits has become a major concern for both local authorities and residents.

The Cat Ba Archipelago off the coast of the northern port city of Hai Phong is the largest limestone archipelago in the country, boasting over 360 islands, including Cat Ba Island to the south of Ha Long Bay. It was also recognised by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. Meanwhile, Ha Long Bay in the neighbouring province of Quang Ninh was named by UNESCO as a world heritage site twice in 1994 and 2000.

Former Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee Associate Prof. Dr. Dan Duc Hiep said swift action following the UNESCO recognition is imperative.

He underscored the need to transform the Cat Ba tourist area into a high-quality, reputable coastal tourism hub that caters to t
he needs of both domestic and international travellers.

According to him, it is necessary to prioritise a number of projects, including those building the Cat Hai – Cat Ba cable car system and various entertainment and recreational facilities meeting international standards, as well as promoting environmental protection. Additionally, the city needs to adopt clean, eco-friendly transport methods on Cat Ba Island.

Hiep also stressed the urgency of developing an action plan and engaging in discussions with Quang Ninh authorities on the related investment and utilisation of the transport infrastructure and docking areas in the archipelago’s Lan Ha Bay.

In a meeting with local voters in early December, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang highlighted the responsibility of local authorities and residents, as Vietnam is committed to strict adherence to international heritage conservation regulations.

He said the construction and development of tourism projects on these sites must comply with these regulations./
.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

CEBU CITY: A fire hit a restaurant inside a department store in Talisay City on Sunday morning, leaving over PHP8 million worth of damage.

The fire broke out at 9:55 a.m. and was immediately raised to a second alarm 10 minutes later, Talisay City Fire Officer 2 Mar Dee Auxtero said.

Forty minutes later, the fire was declared under control after firefighters from neighboring Cebu City and Minglanilla town sent backup.

The fire was declared out at 10:46 a.m. ‘So far, none was injured,’ Auxtero told reporters, adding that the cause was being determined as of press time.

Earlier at 5 a.m., a fire also hit a residential area in Barangay Apas here. Three houses ended up in smoke while four others were partially burned.

Damage was estimated at PHP1.5 million. Six families and 18 individuals were displaced. Benjie Sevilla, a 23-year-old resident, sustained first-degree burns on his back and left arm after he tried to save some things from their house.

Initial investigation disclosed that the fire started at a 5
00-square-meter establishment.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The national government’s subsidies for government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) amounted to PHP153 billion from January to November.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) was the biggest recipient of budgetary support amounting to PHP50.7 billion.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) was second on the list with PHP38.4 billion.

The National Housing Authority came in third with subsidies amounting to PHP17.8 billion.

Other top recipient GOCCs are the National Food Authority (NFA) with PHP9.7 billion; Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, PHP5 billion; Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, PHP4.6 billion; Philippine Fisheries Development Authority

, PHP3.3 billion; and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, PHP2.9 billion.

For November alone, subsidies to GOCCS, went up to PHP6.7 billion from last year’s PHP6.1 billion.

The NIA received the biggest subsidy amounting to PHP2.5 b
illion, followed by the NFA with PHP2.5 billion.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The national government’s subsidies for government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) amounted to PHP153 billion from January to November.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) was the biggest recipient of budgetary support amounting to PHP50.7 billion.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) was second on the list with PHP38.4 billion.

The National Housing Authority came in third with subsidies amounting to PHP17.8 billion.

Other top recipient GOCCs are the National Food Authority (NFA) with PHP9.7 billion; Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, PHP5 billion; Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, PHP4.6 billion; Philippine Fisheries Development Authority

, PHP3.3 billion; and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, PHP2.9 billion.

For November alone, subsidies to GOCCS, went up to PHP6.7 billion from last year’s PHP6.1 billion.

The NIA received the biggest subsidy amounting to PHP2.5 b
illion, followed by the NFA with PHP2.5 billion.
Source: Philippines News Agency

CEBU CITY: The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Cebu on Sunday urged the faithful to be guided by the lessons of 2023 and to hold on to hope while having a thankful heart in welcoming the new year.

‘I am hoping you’ll learn all these things to make your new year easier. It’s better to start the new year with lessons learned from your experiences,” Archbishop Jose Palma said in his New Year’s message.

‘Without fear, the New Year will begin because Emmanuel is with us… We are not sure what will happen to us in the future, but we are sure who holds the future,” he said.

“Let’s entrust our faith in God who holds the future that carries good plans for each of our lives.’

The 73-year-old prelate reminded the 4.6 million baptized Catholics in the Archdiocese of Cebu that the new year is also a celebration of the Virgin Mary, the mother of God. ‘Let’s turn to the Virgin Mary with the prayer that we will be guided by the will of God in our lives,’ he added.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) raised concern over the growing tensions surrounding the South China Sea.

In a statement issued Saturday night, the diplomats said the recent developments in the area threaten regional peace and stability.

‘We closely follow with concern the recent developments in the South China Sea that may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region,’ the statement read.

‘We reaffirm the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, safety, security, stability, and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the maritime sphere of Southeast Asia, particularly the South China Sea,’ it added.

The foreign ministers called on all parties involved to exercise self-restraint and restore mutual trust in the region.

They urged parties to avoid actions that complicate the situation and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
.

The diplomats then reiterated the need to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety and committed to work towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, it welcomed the recent maritime dialogue between China and the United States and hoped it would support ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen stability and cooperation in the region’s maritime sphere.

‘We reaffirm our unity and solidarity and our shared commitment to maintaining and further strengthening stability in our maritime sphere to bring about overall peace, security, stability, and prosperity in our region,’ the statement read.
Source: Philippines News Agency