Author: ltadmin

BUTUAN CITY: A new sea route from the Dinagat Islands to Siargao Island and vice versa set to open on April 22 is expected to generate more tourism revenues and create more economic opportunities for the two areas.

Dinagat Islands Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. expressed optimism on the upcoming opening of the new route, even as he underscored its positive impact on the tourism and economies of both islands.

‘This new route is considered a new chapter in the development of the tourism industry in the Dinagat Islands,’ Demerey said in an interview on Friday.

He said the direct link between the two islands will not only attract more visitors but also facilitate the exchange of economic opportunities between the two.

Both the Dinagat and Siargao Islands are known for their famous beach resorts and destinations among local and foreign tourists.

‘Our visitors here in Dinagat, if they wish to visit Siargao, need not travel back to the mainland Mindanao. All they need is to sail directly from Cagdianao town to Del Carme
n in Siargao. The same also for the visitors from Siargao who wish to visit Dinagat,’ Demerey said.

He also announced on Friday the approval of a Shipping Line’s regular trip from Dinagat to Siargao and vice versa by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

‘The MV FRENCH of the Nier Shipping Lines was given Special Permit No. 2024-04-042 by MARINA and will start to cater travelers starting on Monday, April 22,’ he said.

The shipping line will have a regular trip every day from Del Carmen to Cagdianao in hourly schedules. The regular fares are PHP350 for regular passengers, PHP280 for senior citizens, and PHP175 for children aged 4 to 10.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his inclusion in TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2024”, citing the Philippine leader’s visionary leadership in inspiring positive change and progress in the Philippines.

In a statement, Romualdez described the President’s inclusion in the TIME 100 list as a “remarkable achievement” and a “prestigious recognition” that shows his ‘unwavering dedication’ to advancing the nation’s interests and securing a brighter future for all Filipinos.

“President Marcos’ visionary leadership has brought about tangible improvements in various facets of our society,” he said.

He cited the President’s strategic economic policies, which have steered the country towards stability and growth in the face of global uncertainties.

He also highlighted Marcos’ steadfast stance against external threats, particularly in defending Philippine sovereignty amid escalating tensions.

“Beyond the realms of economics and geopolitics, Presiden
t Marcos has consistently shown genuine concern for the well-being of every Filipino. His initiatives to tackle societal challenges and foster inclusivity deeply resonate with the aspirations of our nation,” Romualdez said.

“Recognizing the complexities of our history, it is imperative to recognize President Marcos’ transformative efforts in driving positive change and progress. His vision for a prosperous and harmonious Philippines reflects the aspirations of millions of Filipinos.”

Romualdez reiterated his commitment to support President Marcos in his endeavors to “propel the Philippines to greater heights.”

“Together, let us unite in forging a future that is defined by prosperity, inclusivity, and unity. Congratulations, President Marcos, on this remarkable achievement. May your leadership continue to inspire and uplift our nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said the world community is starting to recognize the Philippines with the President’s placement in TIME’s 10
0 list.

‘It’s a recognition of our country and the kind of leadership and governance our good President is showing,’ he said.

He said TIME Magazine and many nations around the world appreciate the efforts of Marcos to get the country out of its economic underdevelopment and poverty, as well as to pursue a new approach on foreign relations.

‘Let us not waste this groundswell of goodwill to help our leaders improve our country and the lives of our people. Let us pray that they make the right decisions for our nation and the majority of us Filipinos,’ he added.

Deputy Speaker David Suarez, meanwhile, noted that President Marcos’ ‘firm and principled approach’ in asserting the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has earned him widespread acclaim and admiration from both domestic and international communities.

“Tunay ngang nakikita natin ang pagiging makabayan at maka-Pilipino ng ating Pangulo sa kanyang patuloy na pagtindig laban sa panggigipit ng China sa WPS (We truly see that our
President is nationalistic and pro-Filipino for his firm stance against China’s aggression in the WPS),’ he said.

He pointed out that the Marcos administration’s efforts to attract foreign investments have significantly bolstered the economy, driving job creation, stimulating growth and fostering prosperity for all Filipinos.

‘President Marcos Jr.’s comprehensive economic agenda has yielded significant gains in addressing unemployment and underemployment. He has prioritized the development of critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, promoting regional development, and driving inclusive growth across the country,’ he said.

Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun said the President’s TIME feat is an “affirmation” that the 31 million Filipinos who voted for him simply made the “right choice.”

‘Being lumped together with the world’s best and brightest, and to be touted as among the ‘Most Influential,’ is something that makes us proud of our President,” he said.

PBA party-list Rep. Margarita Nogra
les said this signifies a “very good start” for the administration.

“This also bodes well not just for our improving and stellar economy, but for the things to come in the next four years. The best is yet to come as they say,’ she said. ‘TIME magazine gave credit where it is highly due.”

President Marcos is listed in the Leaders category, along with Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny; Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk; Taiwan President-elect Willian Lai; Argentina President Javier Milei; Qatar Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Adbulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; World Bank Group President Ajay Banga; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Chinese Premier Li Qiang; among others.

TIME recognized Marcos’ leadership, citing how his administration steadied the post-coronavirus pandemic economy and how his presidency ‘elevated the Philippines on the world stage.’

The President’s stance against China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea was also cited.

Source: Philippines N
ews Agency

MANILA: The new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Quezon City are a huge boost in advancing and improving healthcare services and infrastructure for Filipino children, two senators said Friday.

The MRI TESLA, a first in the country, and the upgraded CT scan will double patient capacity and provide clearer images.

The funding for the state-of-the-art medical equipment was made possible through the efforts of Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Pia Cayetano and Sonny Angara.

Go and Cayetano are the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Heath, respectively, while Angara chairs the Finance Committee.

‘These would allow us to serve more children and help our medical personnel diagnose their patients faster and better,’ Cayetano said during the unveiling of the two medical equipment.

She pointed out that the costly equipment usually could only be seen in private hospitals.

‘Pero yung goal po natin is t
hat yung mga public hospitals natin katulad nitong Philippine Children’s Medical Center magkaroon din ng mga (But our goal is for public hospitals like the Philippine Children’s Medical Center to also have) diagnostic equipment,” she added.

Meanwhile, Go thanked his colleagues for making the MRI and CT scans possible.

Through the lawmakers’ efforts, the PCMC’s radiology division was also able to undergo renovation after 40 years.

Source: Philippines News Agency

BAGUIO CITY: About 300 types of government services will be provided by 50 participating government agencies in the Cordillera region in the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair that will be held for the first time in Benguet province on April 21-22, the office of Lone District Rep. Eric Yap said Friday.

Various government agencies, including government-owned and -controlled corporations, are expected to provide services ranging from health to social services, livelihood, agriculture, and education.

Regulatory offices are also set to offer services during the fair at the Benguet State University, Yap’s office said in a statement.

He said the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair aims to bring the government closer to the people, bringing together in one venue all the government offices and their services for residents of Benguet, Baguio City, Mountain Province, and Ifugao, or any person who wants to avail of public services.

Among the agencies, the Department of Health – Cordillera will do screening services, consulta
tion, minor surgery, dental service, laboratory and diagnostic, immunization, and counseling, as well as provide drugs and medicines.

Applicants may also avail of the passport-on-wheels and get clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation without the need to get a slot online.

Moreover, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to render services for those who need to avail of assistance to individuals in crisis situation, sustainable livelihood programs, and family food packs.

Likewise, there will be voter registration by the Commission on Elections, and free legal advice and legal documentation on limited forms by the Public Attorney’s Office.

In addition, the Department of Labor and Employment will conduct a job fair, legal counseling, ceremonial turnover of TUPAD or the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers payout, and turnover of livelihood kits and assistance.

Yap said the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair would accommodate non-Benguet residents.

W
ith La Trinidad as the trading capital for temperate vegetables, there will also be the installation of Easytrip and RFID stickers, which make travel to and from Metro Manila easier.

‘For the owners of trucks and other vehicles who frequently travel to Manila or other parts of Luzon, grab the opportunity for an easier and more convenient travel without the need to queue on cash lanes of the expressways,’ he said.

Source: Philippines News Agency

DUMAGUETE CITY: Crop damage and other agricultural production losses in Negros Oriental due to El Niño have reached more than PHP229 million.

A report from the Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) showed that as of April 18, production loss in value was pegged at PHP 229.881 million.

This includes rice, corn, high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, fisheries, livestock and agricultural infrastructures from 13 towns and cities.

The affected areas are Mabinay, Bayawan City, Zamboanguita, Vallehermoso, Bais City, Dumaguete City, La Libertad, Tanjay, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Dauin, Tayasan, and Canlaon City.

Mabinay posted the highest losses at over PHP90.6 million in high-value crops and some PHP18.5 million in rice.

Zamboanguita, meanwhile, recorded PHP23.5 million in damage to an irrigation system.

The number of farmers and fisherfolk affected totaled 5,193.

Some 1,306 hectares affected have no chance of recovery (totally damaged) while those that a
re partially damaged and can still recover were pegged at roughly 3,542 hectares, the report showed.

The agency feared that figures would continue to rise in the coming weeks since not all of the local government units have submitted their reports yet.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The National University hopes to keep its winning form when it plays Adamson University on Saturday in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Lady Bulldogs will meet the Lady Falcons at 4 p.m., aiming for a victory that would assure them of a playoff for the twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinal round.

NU, on top of the standings with defending champion De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas at 10-2, will end its elimination round campaign against Far Eastern University on April 24.

The Lady Bulldogs came off with a 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-22 win over the Lady Green Spikers last Sunday.

Season 84 Rookie-MVP Michaela Belen said the mindset is always one game at a time.

“We don’t think about the future. Kung ano ngayon, yun yung iniisip namin. Siguro yung championship, darating sa amin yan pag pagtrabahuan namin kasi naniniwala po ako na lahat ng pagod, lahat may kapalit (What is now, that’s what we’re thinking. Maybe the champio
nship, that will come to us if we work hard because I believe that all the hard work will pay off),” she added.

Meanwhile, FEU (8-4) will battle University of the Philippines at 2 p.m.

FEU, back in the Final Four since UAAP Season 82 (2018-19), will try to win its last two assignments and hope that any of NU, De La Salle, and UST will remain at 10 wins to get a playoff for the twice-to-beat bonus.

In the men’s division, FEU eyes win No. 12 against UP at 10 a.m.

Reigning champion NU, on the other hand, will square off with Adamson at 10 a.m. NU and La Salle are tied for second at 9-3 followed by UST (7-5).

Source: Philippines News Agency