MANILA: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Tuesday a DC-8 aircraft of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) would fly at low altitude over the Manila urban area to study the air quality in the Philippines as part of an international collaboration.

NASA’s Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) science mission will deploy the DC-8 aircraft targeting four flights between Feb. 5 and 14.

‘The aircraft will fly over the Manila urban area at a safe, low altitude, without harm, to study the air quality in the Philippines as part of the international collaboration of NASA and the DENR,’ the DENR said.

The ASIA-AQ brings together international experts from NASA in the United States, South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).

For the Philippines, engineers and air quality specialists of the DENR’s En
vironmental Management Bureau will join the flights and learn from the NASA scientists on board.

The Philippine Space Agency, Manila Observatory, Ateneo de Manila University, and University of the Philippines will also collaborate to understand and tackle air pollution challenges in the region.

Other agencies in Southeast Asian nations will also join to study air pollution in the region from space to the surface of the earth.

‘Combining satellite, ground-based, and airborne observations in the region for the first time, the campaign seeks to understand local air quality issues, as well as common challenges in the interpretation of satellite observations and modeling of air quality,’ NASA said.

The agency added that the information gathered would advance the capability to evaluate and improve air quality models used in the region to forecast present conditions and improve policies to address future air quality.

NASA advised residents in Manila urban areas that jet aircrafts are loud and may be seen and he
ard as it flies to achieve the measurements.

Source: Philippines News Agency

DARAGA: In a world obsessed with the idea of love that stands the test of time, two couples from Albay who have breached the 50-year mark prove that finding a match made in heaven goes beyond romantic chemistry.

Commitment and contentment

When the Mirabete couple, Wilfredo, 75; and Nelia, 70, first met at a friend’s party in 1971, sparks flew.

The then-22-year-old carpenter was so smitten that he was determined to win over the stunning 17-year-old handicraft maker from Daraga in Albay province, no matter what the cost.

“I won her over through my love letters and my signature harana song, ‘Once There Was a Love’,” Wilfredo said.

Two years later, on June 7, 1973, they tied the knot.

Looking back, Nelia admits that while the initial spark of romance became the impetus for them to start a relationship, “commitment and contentment” are what keep the flame burning even after five decades of being together.

“Disagreements are a natural part of married life, but the secret to making it to 50 years is being com
mitted and content with your partner despite the many challenges,” Nelia said.

Their granddaughter, Angel Mirabete, 26, couldn’t agree more.

“They are my role models when it comes to marriage and parenting. Growing up with them, I have seen how they resolve their conflicts whenever they have misunderstandings. Their love endures forever,” she said.

Asked what advice he could give to younger couples, Wilfredo said with a knowing smile, “Give each other time and space to calm down after an argument.”

Wise words, indeed, from a man blessed with the gift of growing old with the love of his life.

Love in the mundane and familiar

The Recerdo storybook romance blossomed quietly without much fanfare. There were no quaint tales of courtship or grand gestures of love.

It was a marriage borne out of obedience, as Rita, then 19, decided to take Lino, who was four years her senior, to be her husband on June 14, 1973, to fulfill her parents’ wish.

In my prime, I had many suitors,” Rita, 69, said sheepishly. “But my
parents said I was better off marrying someone they knew to ensure my future,” she added.

As a very timid man, Rita said Lino did not personally woo her.

But what he lacked in words, he more than made up for in action.

As the trusted ally of Rita’s father in tending their small farm in Oras village, Tabaco town, Lino endeavored to earn the approval of her parents with his everyday acts of kindness.

Five decades and 12 grandchildren later, Rita revealed that there was never a day that she regretted marrying her husband.

“My husband is a good provider. He is also a very patient and caring man,” Rita proudly said.

In fact, Rita said Lino, now 73, has never failed to make her coffee every waking day for the last 50 years.

Analisa de la Rosa, 48, their eldest daughter in a brood of nine, said her parents took to heart their sacred vow of staying together for better or for worse as they navigated their marriage journey.

“Life was really hard while we were growing up, but my parents did everything to keep ou
r family intact,” she said.

Like a love that grew steadily out of quiet companionship, the Recerdo couple proves that when small gestures of affection are done consistently, love can take root and blossom eventually.

Keeping the spark alive

Relational experts say keeping the flame of love burning among older couples requires constant effort due to the challenges of aging.

At a time when physical and cognitive capacities tend to decline, golden couples must remember the reasons why they got married and create new memories together to strengthen their bonds.

By keeping communication lines open, finding new ways to enjoy each other, and maintaining physical affection, they can avoid relationship ruts.

In the grand scheme of things, regardless of age, every day is Valentine’s Day when you are with the right person.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Department on Science and Technology (DOST) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) opened on Tuesday art exhibits in the Senate in Pasay City in celebration of National Arts Month this February.

Both agencies partnered with the Office of Senate Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, a staunch advocate of arts and cultural heritage, to open KatHABI – A Textile Innovation Exhibit and Buhay na Dunong: Bukal ng Sining Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving Exhibit.

Legarda, who principally authored the Tropical Fabrics Law, said the first exhibit serves as a platform that showcases groundbreaking developments in sustainable textiles.

“The KatHABI Textile Innovation Exhibit serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and promoting the growth of our local industries,” she said in her speech.

Legarda said this partnership with DOST’s Philippine Textile Research Institute would not only drive innovation but also empower communities and advocate for a more sust
ainable future.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum said the exhibit would highlight the convergence of science and the art of innovation and tradition.

“We are delighted that Philippine Textile Science Technology and Innovation take center stage in the Senate’s 2024 National Arts Month. It extolls the crucial role of innovation and creativity in shaping the future of Philippine textiles and in realizing an inclusive, competitive, and sustainable textile industry,” Solidum said in his opening ceremony remark.

Meanwhile, Legarda’s partnership with NCCA showcases the Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving, which was included in the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Dec. 6, 2023.

Apart from being fifth on the list, Legarda said, the Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving is the first inscription for the people of Visayas and the Philippines under the Traditional Craftsmanship Domain.

“Gayundin, unang paghahabing tradisyon sa Pilipina
s na napabilang sa listahan ng UNESCO ([It is] also the first weaving tradition in the Philippines that was included on UNESCO’s list),” the lawmaker noted.

Legarda sees the exhibit not just as an opportunity to showcase Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving but also to acknowledge the Filipino farmers and weavers whose dedication and continuous practice of the tradition to uphold the Filipino identity in the world.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Collections from business permit renewals last January reached PHP210 million, up by 19.32 percent from the PHP176 million in the same period in 2023, the city government here said Tuesday.

In a statement, Business Permits and Licenses Division (BPLD) head Gemafiel Gaspay attributed the increase to the opening of three satellite offices in major shops, which provided convenience to business owners and eased congestion at the city hall.

As of end January this year, around 90 percent, or 7,122 business permits, had been renewed, including 1,351 transport business renewals.

‘We have confidence in hitting or even surpassing the PHP318.97 million target despite the end of the extended surcharge-free period, as renewal processing continues at the city hall’s business one-stop shop during office hours on weekdays,’ Gaspay said.

Business owners who have yet to process their permits will be facing a 25 percent surcharge on the total amount due and an additional 2 percent in every month of delay until settl
ement.

‘We extend our gratitude to the business community for their cooperation, noting their great contributions to keeping the local economy even more vibrant,’ Gaspay added.

Meanwhile, the BPLD will inspect businesses to ensure compliance with the plastic ban ordinance, following an intensified information drive since its enactment in March 2023.

The city government started banning the use of plastic and styrofoam for packaging in the city’s business establishments starting January 1, 2024.

The ban was enforced eight months after its passage to give business owners time to dispose of their remaining inventory of single-use plastic and styrofoam and for consumers to adjust and conform.

Major establishments in the city have started using paper bags and empty boxes instead of plastic bags

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has flagged physical and online stores of vapes which are not compliant with Republic Act (RA) 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

In a statement Tuesday, the DTI said it has issued notices of violations (NOVs) and show cause orders (SCOs) to 296 physical vape stores between February 2023 and January 2024.

Non-compliant vape shops are more rampant online as 92 percent, or 61,000 of total 66,000 inspected online vape stores during the same period, were given SCO.

These physical and virtual stores were given 48 hours from the receipt of SCOs and NOVs to submit their written explanation.

In its enforcement operations, the DTI has confiscated a total of 18,000 vape products worth PHP5.5 million.

‘The DTI focuses on retailers that fail to ensure no minor is allowed to purchase vape. The DTI has issued NOVs and SCOs to retailers for failing to verify the age of buyers and
for selling vape products that are packaged, labeled, presented, or marketed with flavor descriptors that unduly appeal to minors. The DTI also flagged violators who used cartoons, anime, manga, animated characters, youth influencers, and personalities,’ the agency said.

‘[W]e are working double time on our enforcement operations to prevent the sale of vape to minors – that is our duty. Also, we will continue to work with our partner agencies and stakeholders to ensure that violators of RA 11900 and its IRR are penalized accordingly,’ DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said.

To date, the DTI has received more than 200 formal charges against non-compliant vape shops, and administrative fines have been imposed to decided cases.

The DTI also reminded manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers that the mandatory certification and registration of vape products will take effect on June 5, 2024, while the enforcement of product standards and product registration is set for 2025.

Source: Philippines News Ag
ency

MANILA: The Land Transportation (LTO) will continue offering its free theoretical driving courses (TDC) as part of an outreach program.

In a statement Tuesday, LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II called on regional directors and chiefs of district offices to hold more outreach programs that offer free TDCs.

‘Our outreach program is a way of giving back to our kababayan (compatriots) for their support to the LTO in achieving goals and programs last year,’ Mendoza said.

A TDC is one of the major requirements for those applying for student driving permits and usually costs around PHP1,000 in driving schools.

‘The same outreach program will pave the way for the pre-registration for their application,’ he said.

On Feb. 10 and 11, the LTO will offer free TDCs in four barangays in Marikina City with help from the local government unit (LGU).

‘Sa pagtutulungan ng inyong LTO at mga LGUs, naniniwala ako na we will be able to produce more responsible and disciplined motorists at tuluyang mabawasan ang
mga kaso ng unnecessary road accidents at pati na rin ang mga kaso ng road rage sa ating bansa (Through cooperation between the LTO and LGUs, I believe we will be able to produce more responsible and disciplined motorists and reduce unnecessary road accidents and cases of road rage nationwide),’ Mendoza said.

Source: Philippines News Agency