Year: 2023

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

MANILA: The construction of small farm reservoirs (SFRs) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Project LAWA or Local Adaptation to Water Access in the pilot provinces has been completed, Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Sunday.

‘For the provinces of Ifugao in Luzon, Antique in the Visayas, and Davao de Oro in Mindanao, coping with the possible effects of the El Niño phenomenon may be one less worry as they start the year 2024,’ Gatchalian said in a news release.

The municipalities of Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista and Hungduan in Ifugao; Sebaste, Barbaza and Sibalom in Antique; and Laak, Monkayo and Compostela in Davao de Oro will particularly benefit from the SFRs.

The pilot areas were identified based on the severity of the expected impact of El Niño next year.

Gatchalian said the cash-for-work (CFW) and cash-for-training (CFT) components of Project LAWA paved the way for the construction of the SFRs.

‘The local residents themselves were engaged in Project LAWA and they helped in bu
ilding these water reservoirs that will benefit their respective communities amid the possible impacts of a dry spell on their livelihood,’ he said.

Residents in the pilot areas in the provinces were provided with financial support, through the DSWD’s CFW and CFT, in exchange for the work they rendered in constructing the alternative water resources.

‘The Project LAWA aims to assist and protect poor and vulnerable communities from the impacts of the slow onset of the El Niño phenomenon by giving them sustainable water sources and additional income support,’ the DSWD chief said.

The SFRs are strategically placed in selected towns for 15 days and constructed within a 20 by 25-square meter area with a maximum depth of 50 feet.

‘These reservoirs are intended to serve as vital water sources for communities during periods of drought or dry spells. Aside from an alternative water source, it can also serve as ponds to breed and raise fish and irrigation for their agricultural products,’ he said.

Ensuring food se
curity

Gatchalian said more than providing a sustainable source of water supply, Project LAWA is one of the agency’s food security measures to achieve the goal of ‘walang gutom na pamilyang Pilipino’ (no Filipino family will experience hunger), especially from indigenous communities, farmers, fisherfolk, and women sectors, by making them productive.

‘With the availability of sustainable water supply through the SFRs, communities are able to plant more fruit-bearing trees, disaster-resilient crops and vegetables, as well as implement aquaponics and aquaculture activities for their proper nourishments,’ Gatchalian said.

Nationwide implementation

Gatchalian said the project will be rolled out in more areas next year.

‘We thank our partners like the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the World Food Programme as well as the local government units for their commitment to support Phase 2 of the project,’ he said.

Officially launched on Aug. 31, Project LAWA, through DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau, is
one of the agency’s contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals — no poverty, no hunger, climate action — and to the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028 under Climate Resiliency and Food Security.
Source: Philippines News Agency

LEGAZPI: Melody Portugal patiently stood in line to get her Christmas gifts — a bag of groceries and an envelope of school supplies.

“These will be of great help to me,” she said in the vernacular, proudly showing her Grade 2 notebooks and pad papers, which would be her ally in her reading and writing journey.

For years, Portugal has diligently made the five-kilometer pilgrimage to the Katutubo Village Elementary School (KVES) in Barangay Bakal in Paracale, Camarines Norte.

It was in 2020 when Allan Terrazula, school principal, urged Portugal’s family to move near the premises of KVES so they could have better access to education.

As the day gradually descends towards dusk, Portugal trades her shovel and shears, which she uses to tend a calamansi farm, for pencils and papers in pursuit of her lifelong dream.

“I just want to learn so I will not get lost when I travel because I can read the signboards,” she said, a soft and knowing smile playing on her lips.

Portugal is 60 years old.

Education for all

Three years ago, Portugal decided to attend formal education despite the odds.

As a member of the Manide tribe, an indigenous community found mostly in the Camarines Norte province in Southern Luzon, Portugal admits lack of access to education and her fear of being with non-indigenous people (IP) hindered her from attending school during her younger years.

But now that she has the opportunity, she wouldn’t let anything — not even her age — get in the way of her dream.

Portugal is just one of the 184 IPs enrolled in KVES.

Managed by the Department of Education with the support of the provincial and municipal governments of Camarines Norte, the three-room edifice serves as a literacy hub for the Manide tribe, offering primary education to those who want to learn regardless of age.

Terrazula said of the 184 IPs who attend school, 98 are children and 86 are adults.

KVES combines mainstream and modular education for both children and adult learners. They also have night classes to cater to IPs who work dur
ing the day.

The school is staffed by seven competent teachers, providing basic education that is sensitive to the Manide tribe’s cultural heritage but at the same time, responsive to the changing educational landscape.

Beyond imparting academic skills, KVES serves as an incubator for dreams, endowing IPs with the gift of possibility by empowering them to go beyond their perceived limits and embrace the infinite potential of what could be.

“We want to make them feel that the law is equal to all and that nothing is impossible. We love them, and we believe they have the right to equal access to education,” Terrazula said.

Fight against illiteracy

Every day, KVES teachers walk for more than two kilometers just to reach the school, unmindful of the challenging terrain that lies ahead.

Portugal recalled that during the early years, IP children would hide behind their mothers for fear of going to school.

“But now, it is usual to see mothers sitting side by side with their young children as they read together
,” Portugal said.

It is this symbolic display of determination that fuels Terrazula and the rest of his team to combat illiteracy among the Manide tribe.

Despite the many challenges, he said their passion and commitment enable them to overcome the many barriers that come their way.

“Whenever I see Melody, I feel motivated to pursue our mission,” the principal said.

In this remote village in Bakal, Paracale town, a humble school keeps the flame of education alive for IPs eager to overcome the legacy of discrimination and oppression that has previously hindered their learning opportunities.

And Melody Portugal, all of 60 years, becomes a living testament that it is never too late to aspire for and achieve one’s loftiest dreams.

Time might have weathered her body, but her soul defies the limitations of age.

“As long as my eyes can see clearly, I will study how to read and write,” the sprightly grandmother cheerfully said.
Source: Philippines News Agency

LEGAZPI: Melody Portugal patiently stood in line to get her Christmas gifts — a bag of groceries and an envelope of school supplies.

“These will be of great help to me,” she said in the vernacular, proudly showing her Grade 2 notebooks and pad papers, which would be her ally in her reading and writing journey.

For years, Portugal has diligently made the five-kilometer pilgrimage to the Katutubo Village Elementary School (KVES) in Barangay Bakal in Paracale, Camarines Norte.

It was in 2020 when Allan Terrazula, school principal, urged Portugal’s family to move near the premises of KVES so they could have better access to education.

As the day gradually descends towards dusk, Portugal trades her shovel and shears, which she uses to tend a calamansi farm, for pencils and papers in pursuit of her lifelong dream.

“I just want to learn so I will not get lost when I travel because I can read the signboards,” she said, a soft and knowing smile playing on her lips.

Portugal is 60 years old.

Education for all

Three years ago, Portugal decided to attend formal education despite the odds.

As a member of the Manide tribe, an indigenous community found mostly in the Camarines Norte province in Southern Luzon, Portugal admits lack of access to education and her fear of being with non-indigenous people (IP) hindered her from attending school during her younger years.

But now that she has the opportunity, she wouldn’t let anything — not even her age — get in the way of her dream.

Portugal is just one of the 184 IPs enrolled in KVES.

Managed by the Department of Education with the support of the provincial and municipal governments of Camarines Norte, the three-room edifice serves as a literacy hub for the Manide tribe, offering primary education to those who want to learn regardless of age.

Terrazula said of the 184 IPs who attend school, 98 are children and 86 are adults.

KVES combines mainstream and modular education for both children and adult learners. They also have night classes to cater to IPs who work dur
ing the day.

The school is staffed by seven competent teachers, providing basic education that is sensitive to the Manide tribe’s cultural heritage but at the same time, responsive to the changing educational landscape.

Beyond imparting academic skills, KVES serves as an incubator for dreams, endowing IPs with the gift of possibility by empowering them to go beyond their perceived limits and embrace the infinite potential of what could be.

“We want to make them feel that the law is equal to all and that nothing is impossible. We love them, and we believe they have the right to equal access to education,” Terrazula said.

Fight against illiteracy

Every day, KVES teachers walk for more than two kilometers just to reach the school, unmindful of the challenging terrain that lies ahead.

Portugal recalled that during the early years, IP children would hide behind their mothers for fear of going to school.

“But now, it is usual to see mothers sitting side by side with their young children as they read together
,” Portugal said.

It is this symbolic display of determination that fuels Terrazula and the rest of his team to combat illiteracy among the Manide tribe.

Despite the many challenges, he said their passion and commitment enable them to overcome the many barriers that come their way.

“Whenever I see Melody, I feel motivated to pursue our mission,” the principal said.

In this remote village in Bakal, Paracale town, a humble school keeps the flame of education alive for IPs eager to overcome the legacy of discrimination and oppression that has previously hindered their learning opportunities.

And Melody Portugal, all of 60 years, becomes a living testament that it is never too late to aspire for and achieve one’s loftiest dreams.

Time might have weathered her body, but her soul defies the limitations of age.

“As long as my eyes can see clearly, I will study how to read and write,” the sprightly grandmother cheerfully said.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Filipino-born Japanese golfer Yuka Saso is most thankful for staying healthy in 2023, which she described as ‘a pretty good year.’

Performance-wise, she had eight top 10 finishes in 22 tournaments in the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour.

She tied for 23rd in the CME Group Tour Championship in November, her last tournament of the year, and finished 17th in the Race to CME Globe Season points competition.

‘I think that’s the most important thing (to stay healthy),’ the 22-year-old US Women’s Open champion representing the Philippines said in an interview on Sunday.

Her best finish this year was as runner-up in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Springfield, New Jersey in July, losing by one stroke to Chinese Ruoning Yin but taking home USD875,130 (around PHP48 million).

She is ninth on the official money list with winnings of USD1,822,486 (about PHP100 million).

“I just have to keep on practicing. What I’ve been doing since I was a kid, that won’t change…more practice and hard wo
rk. It’s a process – doing the same thing over and over again,’ the world No. 27 Saso said.

Saso was born in San Ildefonso, Bulacan to a Filipino mother and a Japanese father.

In 2021, she bared she would renounce her Filipino citizenship as Japanese law states she must choose just one when she turns 22, which was on June 20 this year.

The Philippines is still close to her heart as she conducted a one-day clinic for upcoming golfers at The Country Club in Laguna on Dec. 27.

Saso will skip the first two LPGA events in January, but her 2024 goal is to play in all the majors – Chevron Championship, Women’s PGA Championship, US Women’s Open, The Evian Championship and The Women’s Open.

She is also setting her sights on the 2024 Paris Olympics despite the strong Japanese contingent by securing valuable points in ranking LPGA tournaments.

‘There will be tournaments every week, so each week will be important to get to the Olympics,’ Saso said. “I will focus on every tournament, stay in the moment and try not t
o look far ahead.’

As a member of the Philippine team, Saso bagged the women’s individual gold and was part of the winning women’s team in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

She also placed joint ninth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was held a year later due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Source: Philippines News Agency

Hanoi: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers on December 30 issued a statement on maintaining and promoting stability in the maritime sphere in Southeast Asia.

In the statement, the ministers said they closely follow with concern the recent developments in the East Sea and reaffirmed 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 East Sea.

‘We also reaffirm the need to restore and enhance mutual trust and confidence as well as exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, avoid actions that may further complicate the situation and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS,’ wrote the statement.

The FMs underscored the importance of the full and effective impl
ementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) in its entirety and committed to working towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

They also reiterated the importance of peaceful dialogue that contributes constructively to the promotion of regional stability and cooperation in the maritime domain. Welcoming the recent holding of a maritime dialogue between China and the US in Beijing and the meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in California, they hoped that such dialogues will continue to further ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen stability and cooperation in the region’s maritime sphere.

This is the 5th time ASEAN has issued a statement on maritime issues since 1995, with the most recent statement on the East Sea released in 2014./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency