Day: April 19, 2024

DAVAO CITY: The 5th Kalutong Filipino opened on Friday here with a focus on the preservation of heirloom cuisines and heritage dishes.

Slated from April 19 to 21, the event aims to empower the youth to promote Philippine culinary heritage with a hope that it will be passed on to the next generations.

In her message, Department of Tourism in Davao Region (DOT-11) Director Tanya Rabat-Tan said that heirloom dishes and local cuisines are more than just provisions – “they’re a reflection of history, culture, and identity.”

‘They empower and create the character of our communities, and help preserve cultural heritage while providing livelihood opportunities and sustenance in many rural areas. Moreover, they play a critical role in boosting the economy and promoting tourism,’ Tan said.

To preserve and promote the region’s rich culinary traditions, Tan said they have joined hands once again with the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts and the Department of Agriculture (DA) as they celebrate the Fili
pino Food Month, or the Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino.

‘This year, we invite you to embark with us on a gastronomic journey through Davao Region as we experience our provinces’ traditional cuisines and gain insights from renowned local gastronomy experts in the next three days,’ Tan said, adding that, it will also reflect to their appreciation on the homegrown produce and products of the local farmers and artisans.

Meanwhile, DA-11 Director Macario Gonzaga said the event is a good venue for the farmers and fisherfolk to be recognized as producers of the main ingredients of dishes cooked and showcased as Davao’s pride.

‘The event is another way of intensifying our common advocacy to mold the young generation to understand the vital roles that they play as the future food producers of this nation,’ Gonzaga said.

April is declared Filipino Food Month or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino under Presidential Proclamation No. 469, signed in 2018.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Air Force (USAF) formally concluded the first iteration of Cope Thunder Philippines 24-1 exercises at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga on Friday.

“On the concluding day of Cope Thunder, PAF and USAF maintenance personnel exchanged best practices in aircraft maintenance during a subject matter expert exchange,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.

The CT PH 24-1, which started on April 8, is expected to have a second iteration in June this year. Castillo said the 11-day bilateral military training exercise, focused on air-to-ground operations, logistics, and other mission support planning and execution.

Participating aircraft include the PAF’s FA-50PH light jet fighters and the USAF’s F-16 multirole jet fighter.

This took place in the Northern Luzon Intensive Military Training Area, involving approximately 700 airmen from various PAF and USAF units.

“The Cope Thunder exercises play a crucial role in preparing the PAF for t
he upcoming Large Force Employment missions during the ‘Balikatan’ Exercises 2024, scheduled to commence on April 22, 2024,” Castllo noted.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is seeking enhanced collaboration and partnership between the government and the private sector for collective progress on climate action.

Addressing climate change requires a holistic approach that considers its interconnectedness with broader economic development goals and sustainability objectives, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said during the CarbonPH Education Series on April 11, according to a Friday news release.

He said the private sector must take ‘proactive leadership’ in climate action, leveraging innovative financing mechanisms and policy incentives to drive transformation.

Borje pointed out that the ‘cost of adaptation is much smaller than the cost of recovery.’

According to a 2019 Global Commission on Adaptation report, investing USD1.8 trillion (or PHP39.3 trillion) in just five areas — early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, improved dryland agriculture crop production, global mangrove protection,
and water security — could result in USD7.1 trillion (about PHP311.1 trillion) in total net benefits.

‘And so, we pivot from our business-as-usual strategies to science and evidence-based, investment-led and transformative. With this strategy, we can better achieve our desired level of resilience, for our communities, our nation, and the planet,’ Borje said.

The CCC urged the private sector to continue fostering a ‘more dynamic and collaborative partnership’ with the government in crafting policies and mechanisms that will unlock climate investments in critical areas, such as nature-based solutions, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility, among others.

Borje also urged the private sector to be more actively involved in processes, including the formulation of the National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan.

The CarbonPH Initiative/Coalition, comprising 17 private sector corporations, presents convergence to support the country’s transitional aspirations for a lo
w carbon economy through investments in nature-based solutions, capacity building, and inputs for policy development.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said it is now looking into surging pork prices, with some exceeding PHP400 per kg.

“Ito iyong tinututukan natin dahil iyong presyo ng ating farmgate hindi naman ganun kataas, nasa (That’s what we are focusing into now because our farmgate price is not that high, it’s just) a little over PHP200/kg.,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

Although the farmgate price slightly increased from PHP198 last week, de Mesa said the retail prices should only hit the benchmark.

“So, kung dadagdagan natin ito ng PHP100, ito kasi iyong ating benchmark. So, dapat nasa mga (if we’ll add PHP100 because that’s our benchmark. So, it should be at) PHP320, PHP330 which is the correct price ng ating kasim (our pork ham),” he said.

As of Thursday, the prevailing price range of pork kasim is pegged at PHP295 to PHP370/kg., while pork liempo is set at PHP340 to PHP420/kg., according to DA-Bantay Presyo (price watch).

The DA
earlier said the African swine fever (ASF) remains a challenge in the country’s livestock sector.

Smaller, cheaper eggs

De Mesa, meanwhile, confirmed more supply of smaller eggs coming into the market.

He, however, said this is just a normal cycle, except for those who adopted artificial or tunnel ventilation, instead of open spaces which cause a direct correlation between the hot environment and the chicken.

“It’s a natural cycle. Kapag summer may ganitong epekto. Pagdating ng tag-ulan at malamig, maganda rin iyong (When it’s summer, it has this effect. During the rainy season and it’s cold, our layers have good) production or productivity ng ating layers,” de Mesa said.

“Iyong presyo ngayon, mas mababa kumpara noong nakaraang linggo (The prices of eggs now are lower compared to last week), simply because iyong mga itlog mas maliit (the eggs are smaller),” he added.

Earlier, Philippine Egg Board Association president Francis Uyehura said the El Niño phenomenon has been affecting the production size of
eggs, as well as increasing mortality in layers.

“If before, farmers are getting large or XL (extra large) eggs now, there are more small or even extra small eggs,’ he said in a radio interview.

To date, medium-sized eggs are benchmarked at PHP4.50 to PHP5.40 per piece, depending on the area, according to Uyehura.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Senator Grace Poe on Friday asked the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to invalidate the penalties and impounding of e-bikes and e-trikes before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order for a one-month grace period in the implementation of the ban on national roads.

“Dapat kasama ang mga na-unang nahuli (The first ones to be apprehended should be included). The intention of the President is to give them some breathing room and time to adjust,” Poe said in a statement.

“Tulad ng palugit na ibinigay ng Pangulo, marapat lamang na mabigyan din ng grace period ang mga naunang nahuli mula sa multa at (Like the grace period given by the President, it is only appropriate that the first ones to be apprehended should also be given grace period from fines and) impounding,” she said.

The senator agreed with President Marcos’ directive, citing confusions among e-vehicle drivers on what are prohibited roads or where are they allowed to pass.

“Huwag na sana nating pahirapan ang mga may-ari ng e-bikes a
t e-trikes na naghahanap lang ng maayos na alternatibong masasakyan (We should not make it harder for e-bike and e-trike owners who are just looking for an alternative transportation),” Poe said.

MMDA Regulation 24-022 took effect on Monday, prohibiting e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and “kuliglig” (improvised motor vehicle) from plying national roads, circumferential roads, and radial roads in Metro Manila.

However, President Marcos directed the MMDA and local government units (LGUs) on Thursday to grant e-vehicle owners a one-month adjustment for a wider information dissemination about the new regulation.

With the President’s order, Poe said she expects the MMDA and other agencies concerned to consult the stakeholders and create balanced policies that take into consideration the plight of commuters without compromising safety.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to hold simultaneous job fairs across the country in celebration of the 122nd Labor Day.

In an advisory on Friday, the agency’s Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) said these job fairs featuring local and overseas employment opportunities will be held in 94 sites mostly in malls on May 1.

“DOLE is presenting a huge opportunity for all jobseekers. We will be conducting job fairs in 94 sites across the country. Come and participate in the job fair nearest you,” it added.

The venues for the Labor Day job fairs in Metro Manila are:

–San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila

–Quezon City Hall Walkway, Quezon City

–SM City Novaliches

–SM City Fairview

–SM City North EDSA

–SM City Centerpoint – Sta. Mesa

–Music Hall, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

–SM City Grand Central, Caloocan City

–SM City Valenzuela

–Vista Mall Taguig;

–Parañaque Social Hall and Sports Complex

–Robinsons Place Las Pinas

–SM Southmall, Las Pin
as City

–Robinsons Metro East, Pasig City

–Pateros Municipal Hall Quadrangle

–Ayala South Park, South Park District, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

The other venues of the Labor Day job fairs are:

Cordillera Administrative Region

–Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, Baguio City

–SM City Baguio

–DOLE Kalinga Field Office Grounds, Tabuk, Kalinga Provincial Plaza, Bontoc, Mountain Province

Ilocos Region –

–Robinsons Ilocos, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

–Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

–PNP Grandstand, Camp Diego Silang, Carlatan, San Fernando City, La Union

–Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Capitol Complex, Lingayen, Pangasinan CSI Atrium, Dagupan City, Pangasinan

–Magic Mall, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan

Cagayan Valley

–SM City Tuguegarao, Cagayan

–Community Center, Centro Poblacion, Ilagan City, Isabela Robinsons Place Santiago, Santiago City

–Ammungan Hall, Provincial Capitol, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

–Provincial Government G
ymnasium, Cabarroguis, Quirino

Central Luzon

–Gymnatorium, Tarlac City, Tarlac

–Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) Gymnasium, Baler, Aurora

–SM City Bataan

–Mall Atrium, SM City San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan WalterMart, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

–SM City Pampanga

–SM City Central Olongapo, Zambales

–Bataan People’s Center Provincial Compound, Balanga City, Bataan

–Eduardo Cojuanco Jr. Gymnasium, Paniqui, Tarlac

Calabarzon

–Robinsons Place General Trias, Cavite

–Lopez Municipal Covered Court, Quezon

–Batangas City Sports Coliseum, Batangas

–Robinsons Place Antipolo, Rizal

–Santa Rosa Integrated Terminal (SRIT), SM City Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Mimaropa

–Municipal Gymnasium, Municipal Complex, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro

–SM City Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Bicol Region

–Ayala Malls, Legazpi City, Albay

–SM City Daet, Camarines Norte

–Robinsons Place Naga, Naga City, Camarines Sur

–Virac Town Center, Virac, Catanduanes

–Capitol Grounds, Masbate City, Masbate

–Provinc
ial Capitol Gymnasium, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon

Western Visayas

–Robinsons Place Antique, National Highway, San Jose, Antique

–Robinsons Place Iloilo, Ledesma St., Iloilo City

–SM City Bacolod, Reclamation Area, Bacolod City Northwestern Visayan Colleges Gymnasium, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan

–Robinsons Place Roxas, Roxas City, Capiz

–Buenavista Gymnasium, Guimaras

Central Visayas

–Mandaue Sports Complex, Centro, Mandaue City

–City Wing Atrium, SM Seaside City Cebu

–Lamberto Macias Sports Complex, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Eastern Visayas

–Provincial Capitol Gym, Province of Eastern Samar

–Catarman Freedom Park Covered Court, Province of Northern Samar

–Tacloban City Convention Center

–Ormoc City Super Dome

–Municipal Covered Court, San Jorge, Samar

–Eastern Samar State University-Borongan Campus

–Maasin City Gym, Southern Leyte

–Biliran Provincial Legislative Building

Zamboanga Peninsula

–Mega Gymnasium, Dao, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga del Norte Conv
ention Center, Dipolog City Atrium, Capitol Building, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay

–KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Gov. Camins Road, Zamboanga City

–Basilan National High School Auditorium

Northern Mindanao

–Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

–People’s Gymnasium, City Hall Complex, Tangub City, Misamis Oriental

–Covered Court Oroquieta City Central Elementary School Event Hall, SM CDO Downtown, Cagayan de Oro City

–Gaisano Tubod, Lanao del Norte

–St. Michael’s College, Iligan City

Davao Region

–SM City Davao

–Gaisano Grand Mall Digos, Davao Del Sur

–Gaisano Mall Tagum, Davao del Norte

Soccsksargen

–Poblacion Alabel, Sarangani Province (Dropbox Job Fair)

–Convention and Events Center, KCC Mall of Gensan

–Provincial Gymnasium, Brgy Amas, Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province

–Convention Center, KCC Mall of Marbel, Koronadal City, South Cotabato

–City Government of Tacurong Gymnasium, Sultan Kudarat (Drop Box Job Fair)

Caraga

–Almont Hotel Inland Resort, Butuan City

–Provin
cial Capitol, San Jose, Dinagat Islands

–City Hall, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur

–City Hall, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte

–Provincial Capitol, Agusan del Sur

Source: Philippines News Agency