Year: 2023

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

Jakarta: Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) on December 31 detected a 6.4-magnitude earthquake shaking the Sarmi area, northern Papua province, in early morning.

As reported by the country’s national news agency Antara, the quake was triggered by a thrust fault in the Anjak Mamberamo zone at a depth of 50 kilometers.

The BMKG did not issue a tsunami warning, and there have been no reports of damage caused by this earthquake.

Indonesia is frequently exposed to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. In January 2021, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake in the country’s West Sulawesi province resulted in 100 fatalities and nearly 6,500 injuries./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: In 2024, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) will focus on key tasks, including the development of digital infrastructure and digital applications to boost the digital economy, creating new momentum for economic growth and labour productivity, Minister of Nguyen Manh Hung has said.

Presenting a report at the MIC’s conference on reviewing activities in 2023 and launch tasks in 2024 on December 29, Hung highlighted some notable results of the information technology and communication (ICT) sector in 2023.

Notably, the total revenue of the entire sector reached 3.74 quadrillion VND, an increase of 1.49% compared to 2022.

In addition, the sector contributed approximately 99.3 trillion VND (4.09 billion USD) to the State budget.

According to the ministry, the 2023’s national digital transformation campaign with the dual goal of developing the digital government, digital economy, and digital society, as well as fostering the growth of strong digital technology enterprises in Vietnam has a
chieved positive results.

Efforts to build and improve the legal framework continue to be prioritised, with the Electronic Transactions Law and the Telecommunications Law being passed by the 15th National Assembly.

In the postal sector, Vietnam witnessed the explosion of e-commerce, contributing to driving the digital economy. Postal service revenue reached 58.9 trillion VND (2.42 billion USD), a 9.3% increase compared to 2022.

In terms of telecommunications and digital infrastructure, despite being a developing country with low average income, Vietnam has made significant strides with 4G coverage rate higher than that of developed countries, reaching 99.8%.

Currently, the ministry is conducting 5G trials in 59 localities, with a 99.8% population coverage rate for 4G. The percentage of smartphone users out of the total mobile phone users continues to increase to 84.4%. This is the sector’s effort to achieve the goal of 100% smartphone users by the end of 2024.

Digital technology revenue reached 142 billi
on USD, with Vietnam accounting for 28.7% of the total value. Approximately 1,500 digital technology enterprises generated revenue from the international market, an increase of nearly 4% compared to 2022.

Concerning internet information security, it remains a bright spot as citizens are now fundamentally protected in cyberspace. The national harmful domain detection and prevention system has blocked 9,073 law-violating websites, including 2,603 scam websites, protecting over 10 million people from accessing illegal and fraudulent online sites.

Regarding the publishing sector, the market revenue for audiobooks was recorded at over VNÐ102 billion, doubling compared to 2022. The rate of publishers registering activities for electronic publishing is estimated to reach 40.3%, exceeding the plan by 20%; the number of electronic book titles published during the year is estimated at 4,600, a 31.4% increase, bringing the e-book ratio to 15.3% of the total published products.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime
Minister Tran Luu Quang affirmed the crucial role that the information technology sector plays in Vietnam, as digital transformation is both a goal and a driving force for the country’s development. “In this context, digital transformation is a vital part of administrative reform,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that bridging the gap with developed countries could only be achieved through science, technology, digital transformation, and innovation. However, he also pointed out that one of the biggest obstacles to digital transformation was the institutional and policy framework.

Apart from formulating regulations, amending outdated decrees, the ministry needed to swiftly and urgently develop new decrees and regulations, ensuring that they meet the required standards, he said.

For specific sectors, especially those requiring special mechanisms, Quang noted the importance of tailored mechanisms.

Furthermore, he urged the ICT sector to rectify and put an end to media irregularities, implement
the second phase of the National Development and Management Plan for the Press until 2025 to reorganise media agencies, and pay more attention to book publishing, as books always hold value in social life./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

MANILA: Maricar Estor, 20, has been wearing earmuffs every New Year’s Eve for almost 17 years now as loud sounds due to the revelry cause her palpitation and pain in her ears.

‘I remember when I was younger, I cry when I hear firecrackers blasting and I’m even afraid to go out of the house even just to watch the fireworks display in the skies,’ Estor told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

She also prepares damp handkerchiefs to ward off fumes from fireworks.

As for her two pet dogs, Estor said she cuddles them close to her chest to make them feel secure.

‘Sometimes, my dogs and I stay in the bathroom because the noise is not as loud there compared to my bedroom or other parts of our house. We sit there until all the noise are over,’ she said.

Hearing loss

Apart from amputations, blindness and injuries, firecrackers and fireworks can cause hearing impairment.

Earlier this week, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against fireworks explosions which result in sound levels of 140 to
150 decibels (dB), leading to pain and ear injuries.

It reported the first case of hearing loss due to kwitis (mini skyrocket), a 23-year-old woman from Central Luzon.

For comparison, the DOH noted that the sound of a normal conversation is around 60 dB, the sound of a motorcycle is 95 dB and the sound of sirens are at 120 dB.

Loud noises above 120 dB can cause immediate harm to ears, warned the DOH.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), a single loud sound near your ears can cause hearing loss.

It can happen over time from damage caused by repeated exposures to loud sounds and in a shorter time when the sound is often deafening.

What to do

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said hearing loss comes with signs and symptoms.

‘If you experience pain, discomfort, ringing, or buzzing in your ears, see your doctor,’ he said.

The other symptoms of hearing loss are trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, understanding conversations in a noisy background, understanding
phone conversations, and hearing speech consonants, according to US CDC.

Other signs of damaged hearing are asking others to speak slowly, clearly, loudly and repeatedly, and turning up the volume of radio, television and gadgets.

Herbosa reminded the public to simply watch community fireworks displays from a safe distance instead of lighting firecrackers.

‘If you cannot avoid exposure to fireworks and their loud sounds, use hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs,’ he said.

He added that staying away from the source of loud sounds like blast speakers would protect a person’s hearing.

Protect your pets, too

Loud festivities also cause stress to household pets like cats and dogs, who experience anxiety, discomfort, and fear when they hear loud sounds.

In a public advisory, the DOH said it is best to keep pets at home during fireworks display in communities because it limits the risk of them running away because of confusion and fear.

‘Explore the use of calming wraps, vests, or shirts, which apply
gentle pressure and have been known to alleviate stress in many dogs,’ it said. ‘Proactively work with your dog before firework-heavy holidays, gradually exposing them to firework sounds while incorporating positive reinforcement, treats and play.’

If the pet manages to run away, make sure they wear updated identification tags.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. enjoined Filipinos to embody the spirit of solidarity and contribute to development as he joins the nation in welcoming the new year.

Marcos said every new beginning is a time for reflection on past accomplishments, to move forward with the lessons learned, and to reinforce on the unity forged as a people.

‘As a nation, we bid farewell to the challenges and triumphs of the past year and embrace a new dawn of opportunity and hope that heralds another fresh start for all,’ the President said in his message released Sunday.

‘As we welcome 2024 with great optimism, I call upon every Filipino from every corner of the world to contribute to the future of our beloved motherland. Let us embody the spirit of solidarity through acts of kindness, volunteerism, and compassion, knowing that each of us is a catalyst for our country’s meaningful social transformation.’

President Marcos also committed to ‘strengthen bonds and charter a new roadmap for tomorrow.’

‘Let the dream o
f a revitalized Philippines — a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) — guide our every endeavor as we bring forth peace, progress, and prosperity for all,’ Marcos said.

‘Renewed optimism’

Meanwhile, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urged Filipinos to approach 2024 with ‘a sense of renewed optimism and purpose.’

‘The challenges ahead are opportunities for us to innovate, collaborate, and build a nation that echoes the dreams and aspirations of every Filipino. Together, let’s continue to work towards a legislative agenda that responds to the pressing needs of our times,’ he said in a statement.

He said the transformative journey the Filipinos have embarked upon in 2023 has been a milestone and a testament to everyone’s shared dedication to progress, unity and service.

‘The achievements we have realized together are indeed remarkable. The commitment and hard work of each of you, as members of our community, have been pivotal in the passage of critical bills, measures, and resolutions addressing the
varied needs of our nation,’ he said.

The people’s unwavering efforts, he said, have not only shaped policy but also strengthened democracy in the country.

‘I am optimistic about a more prosperous future for our nation under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. His vision complements our collective desire for progress, and I believe that together, we will enter an era of growth, stability, and mutual success,’ he said.

Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo said 2023 is a year of ‘economic challenges and steady progress’ for the Philippines but changes must be made.

‘As our economy moves forward in 2024 and beyond, there is a growing consensus that reforms are needed in various areas to improve the state of our nation and to uplift the lives of the Filipino people,’ she said.

‘Steady progres’

For her part, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said the Philippines in 2023 is generally seen as a ‘year of economic challenges and steady progress “.

‘As our economy moves
forward in 2024 and beyond, there is a growing consensus that reforms are needed in various areas to improve the state of our nation and to uplift the lives of the Filipino people,’ she said.

She underscored the consensus that some important economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines should be liberalized.

‘Amending our Charter, however, must go hand in hand with addressing other critical issues,’ she said. ‘The bottom line is we need to send a certain and predictable signal to the global investor community: the Philippines is ready, able, and willing to accept foreign direct investments.’

Towards a secure PH

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., meanwhile, called on Filipinos to support the agency’s initiatives in protecting the country’s security and stability.

“The DND joins our people in welcoming the New Year. We thank our President, our stakeholders, and our people for the trust and confidence in our institution. We call upon the same outpourin
g of support in the coming year so that we can help build a stable, secure, and solid Philippines,” Teodoro said in his New Year message.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator, Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno also appealed to the public to help the agency in creating a more resilient nation.

“As we welcome the New Year, let us carry the spirit of resilience and unity with us. Let us work together to build a safer and more prepared nation. May 2024 bring hope, prosperity, and peace to every Filipino,” he added.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: A four-year-old boy from Central Luzon lost all five fingers after a “dart bomb” exploded on his right hand, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Sunday.

The boy also suffered burns on his neck due to the blast.

It was one of the eight fireworks-related injuries that DOH logged from 6 a.m. Saturday to 5:59 a.m. Sunday.

The new cases are all males with the oldest aged 37.

Six cases occurred at home and on the streets while the other two were at designated areas.

Meantime, five were due to illegal fireworks.

The DOH expressed serious concern about how ‘deadly and illegal fireworks’ could reach the hands of young children.

‘We are thankful that the Department of the Interior and Local Government as well as many LGUs (local government units) are heeding the call to have community fireworks displays instead,’ the DOH said.

‘We ask our police to crack down further on those selling illegal fireworks that find their way to destroy the hands and futures of Filipino children.’

The agency has re
corded a total of 115 fireworks-related injuries since Dec. 21.

Forty-four (38 percent) of the reported injuries are from the National Capital Region, followed by Central Luzon and Ilocos Region with 13 cases each.

Soccsksargen ranked third with nine cases; Calabarzon had six cases; and Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region and Western Visayas recorded five cases each.

In Eastern Visayas, fireworks-related injuries rose to six as of Sunday.

The latest additions were a nine-year-old male from Burauen, Leyte, who sustained head and eye injuries from lantaka (portable cannon); and a 33-year-old male from Guiuan, Eastern Samar who suffered multiple injuries in the lower extremities due to kwitis (mini skyrocket).

The previous four victims were aged 6, 8, 11 and 24, all males.

Boga (improvised cannon), Five Star, kwitis, Piccolo, luces (sparklers), Pla-Pla, whistle bomb, and other unlabeled items, including the dart bomb and imported fireworks, caused 72 percent of the cases.

Illegal fireworks, particularly Boga, Fi
ve Star, Piccolo and Pla-pla, caused 59 percent of the cases.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan on Sunday reiterated his warning to cops not to engage in indiscriminate firing in welcoming the new year.

He said those who will be involved in indiscriminate firing will be immediately apprehended and face subsequent charges, both administratively and criminally.

“To the men and women of QCPD, let us exercise the utmost caution and refrain from using firearms as part of the New Year’s celebration. We must ensure the safety of our community to avoid any untoward incidents, and we must serve as an example for the community by celebrating responsibly,’ Maranan said in a news release.

He said there are alternative and safe means of celebrating that won’t pose risks to public safety.

He also called on the public to abide by Republic Act 7183, the law regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

To further ensure the safety of residents, QCPD has designated specific areas w
here firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices will be permitted.

In Fairview, they are the SSS Village open space, Namapa basketball court, Balikatan court, Fairmont clubhouse, UNFHAI clubhouse and Drachma open space.

Cubao Police Station-7 designated the areas in front of Barangay Socorro Hall, Murphy Market and Barangay San Roque Hall, and Barangay San Martin de Porres covered the court.

Anonas Police Station-9 assigned K-10th St. corner Kasing-Kasing St., K-H St., open area in front of the village hall, Aguho St., Batino St. corner Aurora Blvd., open basketball court, BPI open area, Kaingin 1, Kaingin 2, Pansol Plaza, Area 2 and Area 6 open areas, Maginhawa St. and V. Luna Extension, University Avenue, Pook Palaris, Area 17 open area, and open park.

Kamuning Police Station-10’s designated areas are Roces Avenue, Rotonda, Scout Chuatoco corner Scout Reyes Streets, Kamuning Road corner 11th Jamboree St., and NIA Road corner BIR Road.

Project 6 Police Station-15 approved areas are SM North rooftop and Trinoma
Mall rooftop, while Pasong Putik Police Station-16 assigned the Robinsons Novaliches rooftop.

‘The QCPD seeks the cooperation of the public to report any violations promptly to the authorities and urges residents to explore alternative ways to celebrate the New Year without resorting to the use of illegal firecrackers. By adhering to this prohibition, a safer and more secure environment for everyone will be ensured,’ Maranan said.
Source: Philippines News Agency