MISS UNIVERSE PH BETS. At least 21 young beauties representing their respective areas are to compete for the Miss Universe Philippines-Leyte on October 18 with the winner to represent Leyte on the national competition. Photo shows the candidates with Baybay City Mayor Jose Cari whose city was the host of the costume competition. (PHOTO BY: BAYBAY LGU)
MISS UNIVERSE PH BETS. At least 21 young beauties representing their respective areas are to compete for the Miss Universe Philippines-Leyte on October 18 with the winner to represent Leyte on the national competition. Photo shows the candidates with Baybay City Mayor Jose Cari whose city was the host of the costume competition. (PHOTO BY: BAYBAY LGU)
TACLOBAN CITY – The coronation for the first ever Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) – Leyte is slated this October 18 at the Leyte Convention Center Complex in Palo town, Leyte.
About 21 beautiful young ladies representing their respective towns and cities across the province will be vying for the crown who will represent Leyte for the Miss Universe Philippines next year.
The coronation night will be hosted by Miss Pintados 2009 Atty. Barbette Badocdoc Reposar and Miss Supranational 2023 1st runner-up Miss Philippines Pauline Amelinckx while online and red carpet commentaries will be hosted by DJ Jhajha Yanuario.
Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee and Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 finalist Beatrice Luigi Gomez will also grace the coronation night.
Actor/singer Sam Concepcion will also perform during the event.
Last October 1 and 2, the candidates visited Baybay City for the pre-pageant activities where they showcased and paraded their cultural costumes and the swimwear and long gown preliminaries.
Six candidates were selected to be the finalists for the cultural costume after the pre-pageant held on Oct 1. These were the candidates from Tanauan, La Paz, Barugo, Sta Fe, and Tunga, and the city of Tacloban.
The swimwear and long gown was held on Oct 2 and winners will be announced on the coronation night.
The MUPh organizers were thankful to the city government of Baybay headed by Mayor Jose Carlos Cari for hosting the two preliminary activities of their maiden search.
The current Miss Universe Philippines is Michelle Dee who will compete for the Miss Universe crown this December in El Salvador. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan asked for the intervention of the national government on its continued fight against the communist rebels during a meeting with DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos. Photo shows Ongchuan with B/Gen.Perfecto Peñaredondo, the assistant commander of the 8th Infantry Division, and B/Gen. Lenart Lelina, the commanding officer of the 801st Infantry Brigade. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan asked for the intervention of the national government on its continued fight against the communist rebels during a meeting with DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos. Photo shows Ongchuan with B/Gen.Perfecto Peñaredondo, the assistant commander of the 8th Infantry Division, and B/Gen. Lenart Lelina, the commanding officer of the 801st Infantry Brigade. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan has said that the government should implement an amnesty program to encourage more members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender.
Ongchuan made this suggestion during the Joint Task Force on End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JTF-ELCAC) Eastern Visayas meeting here on Monday (Oct.2) with Interior Sec. Benhur Abalos, Jr. as the guest.
“Marami pa pong gustong magbalik-loob kaso naantala po dahil sa pending warrant of arrest,” the governor said.
Ongchuan said that an amnesty from the government is necessary for the NPA members to be convinced to surrender.
He added that there are members of their “local peacebuilders,” referring to former rebels who are now under their care, who are being arrested due to pending warrants issued by the courts for their previous crimes.
“Medyo nahihirapan po ang ating mga kapulisan at ang AFP kasi sini-serve po yung pending warrant of arrest so, maganda sana kung may possible na amnesty,” Ongchuan said.
Abalos promised that he would bring this concern to the corresponding government agencies like the Department of Justice and ask the governor to make a report on what are the cases filed against active NPA members in the province.
“This issue is one of the solutions. However, maraming side ito, the legal side etc., anong condition dito, but the intent for me should be looked at and the intent for me is what is peace is all about,” he said.
Prior to the JTF-ELCAC meeting, Sec Abalos led the distribution of cash assistance worth P4.6 million to 51 former rebels from Northern Samar and Eastern Samar whose documents were processed and cleared to receive benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), a government strategy to convince active rebels to surrender by providing them financial packages, livelihood, housing and education assistance, and firearm remuneration.
Of the 51 surrenderees, 35 were from Northern Samar while 16 were from Eastern Samar.
Moreover, of the 20 communist fronts operating in the country, 19 are already weakened by the government forces and only one remains, according to Sec Abalos.
This remaining guerilla front in operating in the region, particularly on Samar Island he added during the JTF-ELCAC meeting.
The meeting was attended by governors of the six provinces of the region, top officials of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the chairman of the Regional Development Council 8 Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Regional Peace and Order Council 8 Chairman Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
The annual US-Philippine military drills conducted in the South China Sea have just begun, generating significant attention and controversy in recent years. These drills serve multiple purposes, including enhancing military cooperation between the two nations, strengthening regional stability, and responding to China’s assertive actions in the contested waters.
Intelligence plays a vital role in analyzing the US-Philippine military drills. It is important to deeply analyze the depth of intelligence shared between these two nations and how it contributes to their joint exercises. The training provides an opportunity for intelligence sharing, particularly regarding China’s activities in the South China Sea. By enhancing intelligence cooperation, the United States and the Philippines can effectively monitor potential threats to assess regional military capabilities and devise strategic responses.
The Philippines has a long-standing security alliance with the United States, primarily through the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951. Given the strategic importance of the South China Sea and the United States’ commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, joint military drills in the region have become a regular feature. These exercises aim to demonstrate the responsibility of both nations and reassure regional allies of their security guarantees, especially in light of China’s expanding presence and territorial claims in the disputed waters.
Potential implications of the US-Philippine military drills reveal their broader significance. These exercises serve as a deterrent to China’s assertive behavior in the South China Sea by showcasing the collective military capabilities of the United States and its regional partners. They also signal that any aggression or unilateral attempts to alter the status quo will be met with a strong response. These drills also foster closer military cooperation between the United States and the Philippines, strengthening their alliance and shared security interests. This cooperation is crucial to maintaining regional stability and ensuring the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, which is vital for global trade and security.
The US-Philippine military drills in the disputed waters are a highly relevant and complex subject. Given these drills, one can gain insights into the evolving dynamics of the region, the US-Philippine alliance, and China’s role in the contested waters. Such comprehension allows for a more insightful and informed analysis of the broader geopolitical implications in the Asia-Pacific region.
The significant contribution of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to the Philippine economy cannot be overstated. However, behind the financial gains lie numerous perils that threaten the lives and well-being of these brave individuals seeking employment abroad.
OFWs often face hazardous working conditions. conditions, exposing them to various risks such as accidents, injuries, and illnesses. In industries such as construction, oil and gas, and domestic services, they often work in environments without proper safety protocols. which exacerbates their vulnerability. Cases of non-compliance with labor laws and exploitation are alarmingly common, leading to accidents that may result in permanent disabilities or even loss of life.
The emotional and psychological well-being of OFWs can deteriorate due to a myriad of factors. Homesickness and separation from loved ones can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Cultural differences, language barriers, and discrimination compound these challenges, leading to a sense of isolation. Moreover, the nature of their work, often characterized by long hours and demanding schedules, can cause chronic fatigue and work-related stress, further affecting their mental health.
Those employed in low-skilled and Domestic workers frequently become victims of exploitation and human trafficking. Deceptive recruitment practices, contractual violations, and unjust working Conditions are all forms of abuse commonly faced by vulnerable OFWs. Some cases involve sexual and physical abuse, with victims often fearing retaliation or legal consequences if they speak up.
While working abroad, OFWs often prioritize financial stability over their own well-being, inadvertently neglecting their health. Inadequate access to healthcare facilities, unregulated working hours and lack of proper nutrition contribute to the decline of their overall health condition. Moreover, frequent exposure to hazardous environments, including extreme weather conditions and unsafe practices, exposes OFWs to life-threatening diseases.
Social integration poses significant challenges for OFWs. Being unfamiliar with the host country’s language and culture can lead to difficulties in building social relationships and finding support networks. Discrimination and exclusion from local Communities further isolate OFWs and hinder their sense of belonging. Lack of awareness regarding their rights and limited access to legal aid exacerbates the difficulties they face.
As the backbone of the Philippine labor force, OFWs make immense sacrifices to provide for their families and contribute to their country’s economic growth. Adequate measures must be implemented to safeguard OFWs from physical dangers and to ensure their safe return to their motherland. Providing comprehensive mental health support, which includes counseling and accessible resources, is crucial to address these emotional burdens. Strict enforcement of international labor standards and comprehensive awareness campaigns must be in place to educate both prospective OFWs and their employers.
Developing programs that prioritize health and safety, providing mandatory health insurance coverage, and ensuring Regular medical check-ups are essential to safeguarding their well-being. Establishing platforms for cultural exchange and integration, fostering community support, and empowering OFWs through education and awareness campaigns are crucial steps toward addressing social challenges. By prioritizing the well-being of OFWs, we can strive for more equitable and safer conditions for these courageous individuals who represent the hopes and dreams of millions of Filipino families.
A group of European entrepreneurs are keen to invest in the Philippine agri sector specifically to enhance innovation and sustainable practices. This was revealed by the Department of Agriculture following discussions with the European Union-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) representatives recently. The discussion included mutual interests in agricultural development, foreign trade and investments, economic growth and other potential areas of cooperation.
In separate statements, the EU-ABC said that “European businesses at the forefront of innovation and sustainable practices in agriculture, stand ready to share these best practices and expertise to support the continued growth and advancement of the agriculture sector in the Philippines.”
On the one hand, the ECCP opined that “The Philippines is now on the map and I think that this is a new era, a golden age for investments into the Philippines. We are very much optimistic that we will see more European companies coming here, supporting your efforts, and may be reckon trying to work with you to bring agriculture in this country to the next level.”
In return, DA Senior Undersecretary thanked the European delegation’s interest in collaborating with the Philippine government for the advancement of the latter’s agri-fishery sector. . . which will benefit not only the Philippines but also, other countries.” At the same meeting the DA raised the issue about addressing the concern in the sugar sector, including supply and high prices
MY COMMENT:
The Philippines conducting dialogues with developed countries is a move in the right direction, especially on issues that our country is wanting in expertise and experience, e.g. agriculture-fishery sector – key to unlock food security problems.
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Honesty aside, it really does not required expertise in financial management for one to earn millions of money. One has only to have guts and a thick face to embezzle huge sums from the public coffers. It however requires luck to be a child of a consenting parent who would willingly allow the grant of confidential funds out of taxpayers’ money. The asking for funds does not need to explain its use or purpose. It is all up to the asker on how to use the money in confidence and with all the confidence of a powerful spoiled brats.
Living and growing with much money that is beyond the needs of the child and beyond the means of the parent becomes a way of life in the family. The family members do not care asking where the huge money come from. All that is important is that they live lavishly as they wish and the taxpayers have no way to hold them accountable as they funds are confidential. Such setup eventually gets elevated to the national level where the child uses the same tricks that was proven effective in the past.
The lavish spending was discovered and revealed to the ever supportive gullible followers and the blind factotums running the legislative mill. It has caught attention to the public that had raised calls for transparency and accountability. The evasive brats who had employed defenders to parry all inquisitive probers had been dragged to a nook where the noose would catch the neck of the overfed chick.
A day is in the offing when the reckoning will bring the abuses that had kept the taxpayers in the stranglehold of the powerful brats. It is not far to infer that the huge funds in confidential pockets will soon pocket the culprits to damnation, hopefully in their lifetime.
While people are being taxed out of their hard-earned money, the shenanigans in power are enjoying their loot with gusto. A no nonsense probe by well-meaning progressive persons in the legislature may just be the missing link for people to feel the revolting situation. A peaceful action to call for transparency and accountability may just be the cause to halt the bragging of the spoiled bratss that are brandishing their being millionaires. comments to alellema@yahoo.com
