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KOICA conducts inspection of disaster-prone areas in Borongan City

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KOICA VISIT. A group from the Korea International Cooperation Agency visited Borongan City, one of the recipients of its Philippine Climate Resilient Cities Project which assess the city government programs on climate resiliency needs and priorities. (BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)

Part of its resilient cities project

KOICA VISIT. A group from the Korea International Cooperation Agency visited Borongan City, one of the recipients of its Philippine Climate Resilient Cities Project which assess the city government programs on climate resiliency needs and priorities. (BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), along with a team from the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) and SusIF, recently visited Borongan City to conduct a consultation as part of the Philippine Climate Resilient Cities (PCRC) Project.
Borongan, the capital city of Eastern Samar, is one of the beneficiaries of this project, along with Batangas, Legaspi, Iloilo, and Cotabato.

The KOICA delegation, headed by Country Director Kim Eunsub, met with Mayor Jose Ivan Agda, various city government officials, partner organizations, and project stakeholders to discuss the city’s climate resiliency situation, needs, and priorities.

The delegation also surveyed several high-risk areas significantly affected by climate change, including the Lo-om River, a major river in the city.

Based on the consultations and site surveys, the project team will identify and develop meaningful interventions under the PCRC.

During the meeting, Kim emphasized that the PCRC’s focus on climate adaptation planning and capacity building will significantly help cities develop long-term climate solutions.

Mayor Agda said that the various calamities and disasters faced by the city which have led to crafting policies that protect the environment and conducting capacity building for climate adaptation.

This provided KOICA and its partners with ideas on what additional assistance they can provide to the local government unit (LGU).

Implemented from 2023 to 2026, this US$750,000(around P41 million) project aims to improve the resiliency of cities by strengthening their capacities to respond to the devastating effects of climate change.

Part of the project involves developing guidelines and case studies on climate adaptation technologies and conducting capacity-building courses in Korea and the Philippines.

Adaptation technologies for various sectors such as agriculture, forestry, energy, urban planning, water, and disaster risk reduction will be identified based on the specific needs and situations of the respective cities.

The PCRC is designed to support and complement the ongoing Climate Resilient Cities (CRC) Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

In March 2023, KOICA signed a Grant Arrangement with USAID, contributing US$1.25 million to the CRC Project. This project helps six cities (Batangas, Legazpi, Borongan, Iloilo, Cotabato, and Zamboanga) adapt to, mitigate, and manage the impacts of climate change and disasters.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

2 municipalities of Eastern Samar declared under SIPC status

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In the fight against insurgency

TACLOBAN CITY – Two towns in Eastern Samar province, Hernani and Maydolong, have been declared to have a stable internal peace and security condition (SIPC) by their respective local government units and the Philippine Army last week.

The declarations took place on July 16 in Hernani and July 18 in Maydolong.

“This declaration of SIPC in Hernani and Maydolong is another successful achievement of the government advocacy in relation to Executive Order No. 70, The Whole-of-Nation Approach,” reads a statement from the 78th Infantry Battalion.

“The declaration of SIPC in the municipalities of Hernani and Maydolong demonstrates the reliable cooperation of the municipalities and local government units in the pursuit of achieving peace and development in the province,” it added.

The declarations were made by the mayors, deputy commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade Colonel Rico Amaro, and an official from the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office.
Maydolong Mayor Godofredo Garado and Hernani Mayor Amado Candido expressed their gratitude to the agencies that supported the declaration of SIPC in their municipalities as they noted that this declaration would help attract investors to do business in their areas.
Col. Amaro thanked the officials of the two municipalities for their cooperation and support in the Philippine Army’s campaign to end insurgency in the country. He also congratulated them for being declared “insurgency-free.”

After signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU), Col. Amaro reminded local officials to continually address and emphasize the needs of the people.

“Our responsibility does not end with what we signed; we must strengthen our cooperation,” he said.

To date, six LGUs in Eastern Samar under the jurisdiction of the 78th Infantry Battalion have been declared as SIPC. These include the towns of Sulat, San Julian, Giporlos, and Mercedes.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Joe Biden withdraws from 2024 US presidential race

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US President Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden

In a development that sends the contest into uncharted territory, US President Joe Biden announced he will no longer seek a second term.

He has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, urging Democrats to donate to her campaign as he steps aside.

In a letter addressed to “my fellow Americans,” Biden said it had been the “greatest honor of my life to serve as your president.”

“While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” he stated.

He endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee and, referring to his Republican rival, added: “Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump.”

Biden made the announcement in a statement posted on X, in which he said he would address the nation later this week to provide “details” about his decision.

“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected,” he said.

“I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”

Harris, who many are touting as the frontrunner to replace Biden, said she was “honored” to have the president’s endorsement, adding, “My intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

She thanked Biden for his “extraordinary leadership” and for making a “selfless and patriotic act” by stepping aside.

“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and unite our nation – to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win,” she said.

Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon on January 20, 2025.
(FROM THE WIRES)

Burglars stole P160,000 from a coop office in Biliran

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ORMOC CITY-Two unidentified professional thieves ransacked and robbed the NAMACA Multi-Purpose Cooperative Store in Caibiran, Biliran at about 12:10 am on Wednesday, July 18.

The police said that one alias “Romy,” 62, married, general manager and founder of NAMACA (Nag-kakaisang Mag-sasaka ng Caibiran) Multi-Purpose Cooperative and a resident of Brgy. Maurang here has reported the incident to the police.

The police said that at around 3:50 pm on Wednesday, the general manager personally came to their station to report that their office had been robbed by two unidentified male persons, who carted away an estimated cash amount of P160,000.

The general manager told police that the suspects destroyed the wall to enter through the ceiling of the store, went inside, forcibly opened the security vault, and took the money owned by their cooperative.

CCTV footage shows that around 12:05 midnight on July 18, the two male persons arrived outside the store, one wearing a pink jacket and maong pants, while the other was wearing a striped sando or undershirt with a hood on his head and also wearing a maong pants.

At first, the two suspects sat and observed and after a while, one of them who was wearing a black sando climbed up the terminal shed toward the store and destroyed the wall, while the other suspect served as a lookout.

Police recovered at the crime scene were one cutter, one grinder, and one reserved desk.
The local police are conducting a thorough investigation for the possible identification and arrest of the suspects.
(ROBERT DEJON)

Unsafe for travelers

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The recent report ranking Manila as the fifth most unsafe city for tourists is distressing proof of the rampant corruption and exploitation that visitors face. From the moment targeted tourists arrive at the airport, they are ensnared in a web of deceit and extortion by various agencies, including airport management, the Bureau of Customs, and the immigration office, the very entities that are supposed to facilitate a smooth travel experience.

Instead of facilitating complex procedures, they create unnecessary obstacles, compelling travelers to pay bribes to navigate fabricated issues. This widespread corruption not only mars the initial impression of Manila but also sets a tone of mistrust and fear for the rest of their stay. Upon arrival, tourists frequently encounter corrupt officials who concoct problems to extort money. Common practices include falsely claiming that carry-on luggage must be checked in for a hefty fee, which can be avoided by paying a bribe directly to the officials. This form of extortion, starting at the entry point, makes travelers feel vulnerable and unwelcome. Such unscrupulous behavior at the airport, a primary gateway to the country, highlights the severity of corruption and its detrimental impact on tourism.

The corruption extends beyond airport officials to baggage handlers who demand exorbitant fees for their services. These individuals often employ bodyguards to intimidate tourists who refuse to pay, creating a hostile and frightening environment. This aggressive exploitation further drains tourists of their money and peace of mind, reinforcing a sense of insecurity. The pervasive nature of this corruption indicates a systemic problem that requires urgent and comprehensive reforms within airport management and related services.

Once outside the airport, the exploitation continues with taxi drivers who charge exorbitant fares, exploiting the tourists’ unfamiliarity with local rates. This issue is compounded by the presence of swindlers, snatchers, and hold-uppers who roam the city and other parts of the country, posing significant threats to the safety and well-being of tourists. The constant threat of being overcharged, robbed, or otherwise harmed creates a distressing experience for visitors, deterring tourism and damaging the country’s reputation on a global scale.

The government must take decisive action against corruption within these agencies. Regular monitoring, strict penalties, and legal action against corrupt individuals are essential steps to restore confidence in Manila and other cities as tourist destinations.

Furthermore, law enforcement should actively target and dismantle criminal syndicates that prey on tourists. They should implement stringent measures and showcase a commitment to protecting visitors. The government can repair the country’s tarnished image and ensure a safer, more welcoming environment for all travelers.

Troubling thought

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN
DOMS PAGLIAWAN

I am deeply concerned about the future of employment. On one hand, AI and robotics technologies promise to increase efficiency and drive innovation; on the other, they threaten to displace a massive number of workers from their jobs. The idea that robots and AI could replace human labor across various industries isn’t science fiction anymore—it’s a looming reality. I’ve been reflecting on what this shift means for individuals who might find themselves suddenly out of work, and it’s a troubling thought.

For many workers, their job is more than just a source of income—it’s a part of their identity and a way to find purpose. If robots start taking over roles in manufacturing, customer service, healthcare, and even creative fields, where will that leave us? I worry about the emotional and psychological impact of widespread job displacement. Losing a job can be a devastating blow to one’s self-esteem and sense of worth. The anxiety and stress of not knowing how to support oneself or one’s family can be overwhelming.

Another aspect that concerns me is the socioeconomic divide that this technological revolution might exacerbate. While those with skills in AI, robotics, and other advanced fields may thrive, a large portion of the workforce might struggle to adapt. I think about the workers who have spent decades honing their skills in specific trades or industries.

Transitioning to a completely different career path, especially one that requires new education or training, is not an easy task. This could potentially lead to increased poverty and inequality, as those unable to pivot quickly enough might find themselves left behind.
The question of survival in a world where jobs are scarce due to automation is daunting. I wonder how people will manage their basic needs without stable employment. Will governments step in with robust social safety nets, or will we see a rise in homelessness and poverty? Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been proposed as a solution, where everyone receives a set amount of money regardless of employment status. While this idea is intriguing, I am skeptical about its feasibility on a large scale and whether it can truly replace the sense of purpose and fulfillment that meaningful work provides.

In addition to financial concerns, I am also worried about the social fabric of our communities. Jobs often serve as a social glue, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. Without these shared experiences, how will our social interactions and communal bonds be affected? The rise of AI and robots could lead to a more isolated and fragmented society, where human connections are diminished.
I also think about the potential backlash against this technological takeover. If people start losing jobs en masse, there might be significant resistance against AI and robotics. We could see protests, strikes, and even political movements aimed at curbing the adoption of these technologies. This resistance, while understandable, could also slow down progress and innovation, creating a tug-of-war between technological advancement and social stability.
On a more personal level, I reflect on my career and future in this rapidly changing landscape. Am I prepared to adapt if my skills were to be automated? What steps should I be taking now to ensure I remain relevant in the job market? These are questions that I believe everyone should be asking themselves. Continuous learning and flexibility will be key, but even with the best preparation, the uncertainty of the future is still a heavy weight to bear.
Ultimately, the integration of AI and robots into the workforce is inevitable, but how we manage this transition will define our society for generations to come. We must find a balance between embracing technological progress and ensuring that no one is left behind. Policies, education, and community support systems will all play vital roles in navigating this complex and challenging future. I hope we can create a world where technology serves to enhance human lives rather than diminish them.

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