Category: General

MANILA: The Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) has agreed to adopt the Localized Normalization Implementation (LNI) as part of government initiatives to expedite programs and projects that will benefit Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) announced Friday.

The LNI is designed to complement and support the Normalization Program under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the landmark peace agreement signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF in 2014.

‘The LNI will encourage greater synergy among all sectors involved in the implementation of the Normalization Program. Through the LNI, project implementers will be able to tailor-fit its initiatives on the actual situation on the ground, particularly needs of the beneficiaries and come up with designs that will ensure increased efficiency and sustainability in project management,’ ICCMN socioeconomic cluster h
ead Ariel Hernandez said.

He said the LNI will focus more on the provincial setting, with a joint secretariat composed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, OPAPRU, Provincial Governors, Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and lower mechanisms.

‘We will harvest the synergy of all sectors in the provincial setting like the religious sectors, CSOs, non-government organizations, women and the youth, farmers and those in the academe, the MILF, MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) and even the former violent extremists,’ Hernandez said.

‘And since the LNI is locally-led and interagency-supported, local government units will take ownership of the projects under the Normalization and Transformation Programs.’

The LNI, according to the OPAPRU, was introduced during the 11th ICCMN meeting last March 19.

During the conference, ICCMN members also discussed the status of several pending issues it needs to review and resolve, which include the implementation of government-funded projects for 2024; proposed projects
for 2025; and the strengthening of the whole-of-government approach by ensuring the more active participation of local government units (LGUs) in the Normalization Program.

Meanwhile, OPAPRU Presidential Assistant David Diciano, who leads the ICCMN security cluster, reported that 26,132 MILF combatants have been decommissioned, together with 4,625 MILF organization-owned weapons.

‘Aside from decommissioning, we have also deployed 24 Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) and we have [supported the entry of] 396 former MILF and MNLF combatants into the Philippine National Police,’ Diciano said.

On the transitional justice and reconciliation aspect, OPAPRU Executive director Cesar De Mesa reported that earlier this month, the Senate adopted Proclamations Nos. 405, and 406 granting amnesty to members of the MILF and MNLF who have committed crimes to advance their political beliefs.

ICCMN chairperson, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., represented during the meeting by U
ndersecretary Joahna Paula Domingo, urged the body to ramp up its efforts under the Normalization Program.

ICCMN co-chair, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. said their main priority is the timely completion of the decommissioning process of MILF forces and their weapons within the year.

He added that the active engagement of LGUs in the implementation of normalization projects under the LNI shall ensure that these interventions will have a greater impact and sustainability among the people.

The 11th ICCMN meeting was attended by top officials of ICCMN member-agencies and ministers of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) interim government.

The ICCMN is tasked to ensure the timely, appropriate, and efficient delivery of the Normalization Program through a whole-of-government approach, including the mobilization of resources needed to realize the objectives of the Normalization Program, and fully transform the MILF combatants and their families into peaceful and productive membe
rs of society.

Source: Philippines News Agency

HCM City: Vietnam is assessed as one of the fastest-growing data centre markets globally, driven by the digitalisation efforts of domestic small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tech-savvy young population, the advent of 5G, demand for self-sufficient digital infrastructure, and data localisation.

The Vietnamese market surged to over 1 billion USD last year, nearly double the figure logged in 2022. Currently, most of those participating in the local data center segment are domestic telecommunications companies.

According to the real estate consultancy firm Savills Vietnam, there are 28 data centre projects nationwide with a combined capacity of 45 MW. The market sees involvement of 44 service providers. Notably, in August 2022, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of data centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Similarly, a study by Cushman and Wakefield Vietnam reveals that compared to mature markets like Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, Beijing and Shanghai (China), Vietnam remains relatively “y
oung.” While major international cloud service providers have yet to establish a significant presence, some international telcos have entered through partnerships with domestic peers. Projects of small and medium scales undertaken by domestic firms are underway in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

According to Trang Bui, CEO of Cushman and Wakefield Vietnam, the nation experiences rapid population growth – particularly the middle class, urbanisation, high internet penetration, and active digital adoption in banking and business operations.

However, despite its advantages, Vietnam currently lacks data center infrastructure on a global scale concerning population ratio. This may pressure domestic investors in terms of construction challenges, scarcity of experienced labour, and supply chain logistics, among others.

Cushman and Wakefield Vietnam’s expert suggest investors continue to eye this sector, particularly focusing on larger-scale projects rather than building numerous small facilities.

The CEO ana
lysed that southern provinces could become favoured destinations thanks to abundant land reserves, readily available electricity within industrial zones, and major national submarine cable landing stations in Quy Nhon, Da Nang, and Vung Tau. Additionally, renewable energy accounts for a quarter of the national energy mix.

Data centers are expected to play a crucial role in supporting Vietnam’s digital transformation. Therefore, despite being in the nascent stage, many foreign investors anticipate effective investment-attracting policies in the near future to meet demands./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has tied up with the Slow Food Educators of Panay (SFED) to preserve and promote the slow food or culinary heritage in Antique province.

TESDA acting Provincial Director Agnes Dimzon said Friday they are developing competency standards with the SFED to preserve and promote the culinary heritage in the province, initially with the ‘pinindang,’ a fried dried anchovy fish.

‘Only a few of the younger generations know how to make pinindang and other culinary heritage, that is why TESDA has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Slow Food Educators of Panay for the development of the competency standards or curriculum,’ she said in an interview.

Dimzon said TESDA Regional Director Florencio Sunico Jr. signed the MOA with SFED on March 16, 2024 at the Advance Central College in San Jose de Buenavista, where they will also hold slow food training and education for TESDA stakeholders.

She said they hope to finish the
competency standard by next month and submit it to the TESDA industry board for approval and implementation.

SFED spokesperson Dr. Mary Rose Gemma Rodriguez, in an interview, said pinindang is the only culinary food included in the living catalog, Ark of Taste.

‘Pinindang has already gained international exposure, for it is the first culinary heritage from Antique that had been included in the Ark of Taste, a collection of food products that are already in danger of disappearing,’ she said.

Rodriguez nominated Pinindang to the Ark of Taste last year. Currently, producers, mostly wives of fishermen from the towns of Culasi, Tibiao, and Laua-an, are reaping economic benefits compared to when it was only a traditional food served in the homes of Antiqueños.

The food product is now sold between PHP100 to PHP120 for a pack of 10.

Rodriguez further said they look forward to TESDA-trained food makers coming up with a uniform taste, diameter, and quality of the pinindang to be served in the restaurants as a dist
inct food from Antique when the competency standards are approved.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Friday assured officials and members of the Philippine Army of her support as they celebrate their 127th founding anniversary.

“Bilang inyong Bise Presidente at Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, kaisa ninyo ako sa patuloy na pagpapatibay ng ating Hukbong Katihan. Patuloy kong susuportahan ang ating mga programang naglalayong palakasin ang ating depensa at tiyakin ang seguridad ng ating estado (As your Vice President and Secretary of the Department of Education, I am with you in strengthening the Philippine Army. I will continue to support our programs that aim to boost our defense and ensure the security of our state),” Duterte said in her video message.

She also considered the celebration’s theme, ‘Matatag na Hukbong Katihan para sa Bagong Pilipinas (Strong Philippine Army for a New Philippines)’, as a manifestation of bravery, dedication and strength of the Philippine Army’s service to the country.

“It resonates deeply with our strong commitment to enhancing the
capabilities and readiness of our armed forces towards the attainment of our shared aspirations and common destiny,” Duterte said.

“Your professionalism and resilience amidst internal and external challenges solidify our position in the global security arena and ensure the security of every Filipino,” she added.

Duterte has a rank of colonel in the Philippine Army reserve force.

The Philippine Army celebrated its anniversary this year at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac which is the first time to be held outside of its headquarters.

The event also marked the culmination of its first-ever “Combined Arms Exercise” (CATEX) “Katihan” that took place from March 8 to 22 in training areas in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA) reiterated its commitment to defend the country and its citizens ‘at all cost.’

‘Celebrating our Army anniversary in the location where we train our troops to become professional soldiers is the first and most tangible adjustment that you are all witnessing right n
ow,’ PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido said in his speech.

‘We want to underscore that the Army is moving beyond the expected ways, that we prefer today to celebrate our anniversary with our troops who are training to fight, preparing their minds and bodies to defend our country at all costs from those who will dare to disrupt our freedom,’ he said.

A showcase of airborne and military free fall capabilities of Special Forces operators kickstarted and culminated the program attended by Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. who represented President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ranking military officials, Medal for Valor awardees, former Army commanding generals, government officials, as well as foreign defense attaches.

Various Army units also showcased their latest and current ground defense assets such as the 155mm self-propelled howitzers, Sabrah light tanks, armored personnel carriers as well as combat engineering equipment.

Source: Philippines News Agency

ONTARIO: The United Nations on Thursday noted that 16.7 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance, marking the highest in the 13-year conflict.

Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, who virtually briefed member states at a UN Security Council meeting, said all developments in Syria were going “in the wrong directions,” with setbacks in security, humanitarian conditions, human rights, and politics.

He cited that after 13 years, the conflict continued on numerous fronts, with regional effects persisting.

“We urge donors, both traditional and non-traditional, to give generously to the humanitarian response, including for early recovery,” he said.

Pedersen mentioned that half of Syria’s pre-war population had been displaced, with large numbers unable to return due to security and living conditions.

Noting the call made last month for the Syrian Constitutional Committee to convene in Geneva in April, the UN envoy said that while the invitation was accepted by the Syrian Negotiations Commis
sion, it was rejected by the Bashar al-Assad regime.

The Syrian civil war began in 2011 when the al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters.

Hundreds of thousands of people have since been killed and millions displaced, according to UN estimates.

Urgent need for funding to sustain life-saving aid

Joyce Msuya, UN Deputy Secretary-General for humanitarian affairs and deputy emergency relief coordinator, said seven million people have been displaced in Syria, with approximately 13 million in need of food assistance.

Saying that “acute malnutrition among children under the age of five has surged threefold in the past five years,” Msuya noted that “more than half a million children will need life-saving treatment for acute malnutrition this year.”

Because of the record number of people in need of humanitarian assistance, Msuya said funding had reached record lows.

Calling for increased support for humanitarian aid, Msuya pointed out the need for “sustained and unhindered humanitarian access th
rough all modalities.”

“And we urgently need the necessary funding to sustain life-saving assistance and expand early recovery,” she added.

Source: Philippines News Agency

LAOAG CITY: Some Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households have been assured to get solar lights after more than 2,000 runners from this city joined the fund-raising fun run held from Laoag City Hall to Buttong road here Friday.

Lervie Jane Balalio, 4Ps city link of the DSWD, told the Philippine News Agency on Friday that the activity is in line with the continuing Women’s Month celebration, which promotes gender equality and empowering women to help themselves.

“Our goal is to empower these individuals and families by providing them with solar panels and ensuring that they have sustainable and reliable energy sources,’she said.

Balalio said most of the participants are 4Ps beneficiaries themselves, who gamely joined the Zumba workout in front of the city hall before they completed the three-kilometer race.

Each participant registered for a fee of PHP250 which covers an advocacy shirt and snack.

‘It’s just a small amount but I hope my participation made an impact to the beneficiaries,’ said Ve
ronica Julian, a young runner from Laoag City.

Last year, another fun run was organized and the proceeds were used to provide 4Ps beneficiaries with climate-resilient toilets.

Source: Philippines News Agency