“We need a declaration so that we can access more funds for El Niño adjustment measures. The declaration of the state of calamity can be helpful to us now,” Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., who sits as chair of the PDRRMC, said in an interview.

Among the adjusted measures to be enforced is to focus on other aspects of agriculture not too dependent on water.

This included diversion to animal-raising instead of planting palay. 

During the meeting, Iloilo PDRRM officer Cornelio Salinas presented that the value of damages caused by El Niño has reached P1.025 billion as of April 26 with 88, 764 farmers and fisherfolk affected. 

The rice commodity incurred the biggest damage valued at over P653 million affecting 12,590 farmers covering 12,069.49 hectares of standing crops, while the highest number of farmers affected belong to the high-value crops, with losses amounting to more than P137 million.

The corn commodity suffered more than P219 million in losses affecting 3,901 farmers, while fisheries had P17 million for 295 affected fisherfolk. 

Further, 51 farms were also affected under the livestock and poultry category, with losses valued at P200,000.

Salinas said three municipalities, namely Sara, Estancia, and Bingawan already declared the state of calamity, while municipalities of Balasan, New Lucena, and San Dionisio are expected to declare the same anytime soon.PNA

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The country’s tourism receipts from Jan. 1 to March 31 have also accounted for around P157.62 billion, which translate to an estimated 120.70 percent recovery rate from the P130.59 billion revenue gained from the same period in 2019.

2019 was the milestone year for Philippine tourism before the global lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Based on DOT’s monitoring data, a total of 2,010,522 international visitors entered the country, with 94.21 percent or 1,894,076 of the country’s total international arrivals delivered by foreign tourists and about 5.79 percent or 116,446 are overseas Filipinos.

This is 15.11 percent higher than the international arrivals recorded in the same period last year pegged at 1,746,630.

South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source market in terms of inbound visitor arrivals with 27.19 percent or 546,726, followed by the United States with 315,816 (15.71 percent), China with 130,574 (6.49 percent), Japan with 123,204 (6.13 percent), and Australia with 88,048 (4.38 percent).

Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Germany ranked sixth to tenth, respectively.

“The Department of Tourism sees a positive trajectory for the country’s international tourist arrivals this year. We are hopeful that with more investments in tourism infrastructure as well as much needed increase in connectivity as well as improvements in air, land and sea infrastructure and accessibility, the numbers can further increase,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said.

The country is targeting to welcome 7.7 million international visitors this year, nearly its pre-pandemic record-breaking achievement in 2019 with an estimated 8.26 million inbound visitor arrivals.PNA

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Leading the assault for the Ilonggos, Shuto Komaki tallied a hat trick to lead the way while Jarvey Gayoso and Ilonggo Jesus Melliza had two goals each. Marco Casambre, Audie Menzi, and Eric Esso also chipped in one conversion each.

Both teams started the game with veteran booters. Series of attempts were made but Gayoso opened the goal fest for Iloilo City, following a fifth-minute connection before the lead was double with Melliza’s first goal of the contest in the 18th minute.

Answering the great rally of their foes, Maharlika Taguig pulled one back as Lucas del Rosario slotted one on the upper left corner, but Kaya-Iloilo immediately regained the two-goal advantage with Komaki’s 21st-minute hit.

Komaki then knocked in his second goal of the game in the 41st minute before Gayoso and Komaki converted just before the halftime break to make it a 6-1 advantage for Kaya-Iloilo.

In the second half, Melliza opened the scoring spree for Kaya-Iloilo in the 47th minute, before Casambre and Menzi added two more in the 55th and 59th minutes and then Esso capped the goal fest with his 77th minute connection.

With the win, Kaya-Iloilo will attempt to secure their fourth consecutive win in the tournament as they battle One Taguig FC while Maharlika Taguig will try to cause an upset against another contender in DH Cebu FC.IMT Sports

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The suspension, which covers all levels, was announced by Mayor Jerry Trenas on Wednesday night, April 24.

In a statement, Treñas said he is constrained to suspend classes due to the forecasted danger heat index level of 43 degrees Celsius (°C).

“While education is a priority for me, the health of my beloved Ilonggos is still of foremost concern to me,” he added.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a heat index in the danger level ranges between 42°C and 51°C

“Life is more important than education,” said Treñas.IMT

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Incredibly, Duterte’s administration—known for its savage war on drugs—has maintained decent support ratings at home despite widespread condemnation, here and abroad, of human rights abuses committed by its officials and cohorts. The paradox reveals a fundamental split among Pinoy voters: some want anti-corruption and security measures but are strangely willing to tolerate authoritarian policies that violate human rights and democratic principles.

Our politics are complicated and contradictory, as shown by Duterte’s and Marcos’ administrations’ contrasting geopolitical stances, which pivot for and against China during territorial disputes in the South China Sea and a relationship with the US that fluctuates. There are already enough political contradictions confronting the nation without adding the delicate balancing act of expressing national sovereignty while engaging in pragmatic diplomacy with a growing regional power.

It is already a political conundrum that Marcos Jr., heir to a dictatorship that the People Power Revolution aimed to overthrow, is now Duterte’s successor and has an opposing stance on many issues. It reflects the crystal apparent contradiction in the country that the connection between the two traditional political (trapo!?) and supposedly “unified” camps is so unstable, with former political alliances and dynamics in constant upheaval. Seemingly misinformed individuals sadly see liberal democracies as failing to tackle systemic inequality and corruption, and there is a sense of disappointment with the conventional political class. On the other hand, anti-establishment politicians are often preferred, even if their strategies are reminiscent of previous authoritarian regimes and have yet to prove any lasting merits.

This is the peculiar setting where Vice President Sara Duterte finds herself amid the stormy waters between her dad’s and her erstwhile partner’s factions. The speculation about the Duterte camp’s intentions to depose Marcos’ leadership has only served to heighten the already-present political tensions and cast doubt on the country’s political trajectory. Everyone is watching Sara’s every move in this complex political drama because it can potentially change the course of our politics.

The problem boils down to the choice facing our voters: between the appeal of authoritarian policies and the ideals of representative democracy. Sara’s blatant maneuvering through the political attacks and maneuvers between the Marcos and Duterte camps highlights the electorate’s need to assess their options properly. Concerns have been raised that, despite the glaring incompetence of the present administration, voters may be swayed anew by charismatic or popular (but not necessarily competent nor experienced) figures rather than candidates who have proven trustworthy, committed, and would provide leadership based on core values.

Everyone should take a moment to ponder the Duterte administration’s mistakes and the continuing dynamics under Marcos Jr.’s jetsetting and (so far) lip-serving leadership. This is a chance for people to re-evaluate the ideals and principles that should direct their voting choices, hoping that a renewed dedication to democratic, people-centered, and moral politics will arise.

***

Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.

The post Between populist and principled politics first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

His talent was such that at 11, Palmeiras noticed him and made him a member of the club giving a janitorial job for his father (who was instrumental in developing his interest for the sport.)  His stint there is one for the books scoring 165 goals in the 169 games for the youth teams of the club. He felt so strongly about his destiny that in one of their simple family meals he vowed to his father that soon their lives will change because of his football success and that he promised to take his family out of their financial misery.

Fast forward today: Endrick has signed with Real Madrid after being courted by other top clubs as well, in what is obviously a life-changing deal. Though the final price for this Wonderkid wasn’t revealed, it was learned that Madrid reportedly paid Palmeiras 35m euros for his release with another 23m euros in add-ons.

And boy did he not disappoint, delivering a win for Madrid against England in Wembley recently. He also made it to the elite list of Brazillian superstars who scored an international goal in their teens who include: Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar.

I have three takeaways from this great story. First, there is no exchange to parental guidance and influence.  Children have no other great source of strength and guidance the moment they wake up than their parents.  The child’s likes and habits will be developed through the parents. If Douglas Ramos, the father, did not show the level of support and interest he did, maybe Endrick wouldn’t be that great at an early age.

Second, poverty should be a source of inspiration instead of crime-justification.  This sport is big on making poor guys rich. Most of the highest-earned stars came from poor families that drove them to be the best in the field and have their lives changed beyond their imaginations. There is a high price for that though as I have seen in Beckham’s documentary. Discipline and hard-core commitment. Unlike those who want it easy and resort to crime instead.

Third, what are we doing to the Endricks of our country? Are we giving them the necessary support to be the best that they can be? As parents, teachers, government officials and other forms of influencers and shapers of their lives, are we doing our share to ensure that at 17, they get to shine in an international stage moreso if the talent is astounding or are we the killers of their dreams leaving them embittered and desperate and willing to give up their home country (and identity) to be the Endrick of another?

Source: Skynews.com

The post Endrick and what he means first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

“The heat exacerbated by the phenomenon provides an advantage for breeders, as the relatively high water temperatures stimulate milkfish metabolism, leading to spawning and ample egg and larvae production,” Dan Baliao, chief of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD), said in a press statement on Wednesday, April 24.

During the cold months between November and February, they have to invest in industrial water heaters to keep the breeders active at a water temperature between 29°C and 30°C and ensure a continuous supply of eggs for hatcheries, he added.

Further, the lack of rain also encourages better pond preparation for the growth of natural food sources, such as “lab-lab,” a naturally occurring mat of benthic algae that thrives in brackish water fishponds but dissipates when exposed to rain.

“Fishpond operators can save on supplemental feeding if they take advantage of good ‘lab-lab’ growth during dry spells because ‘lab-lab’ itself is a robust source of fish nutrition,” he added.

The SEAFDEC/AQD, however, has recommended good water management during the tidal cycle and maintaining desirable pond water levels and stocking densities because extreme heat followed by a sudden rainfall can cause fish kills.

“Farmers ought to stock only the recommended density of 2,500 to 3,000 milkfish fingerlings per hectare. Stocking beyond what is recommended would necessitate additional investment in artificial feeds and life support systems,” he added.

He also urged farmers to prepare their ponds, including applying organic fertilizers and liming for the rainy season.

Meanwhile, the SEAFDEC has in its facility in Tigbauan 17 juvenile wild mackerel tuna, also known as “kawakawa” or “tulingan,” taken from a fish trap in the municipality of Barbaza in Antique last month.

“The kawakawa juveniles will be kept in our hatchery where we hope they reach maturity and lay eggs. It will be another breakthrough for us if the eggs hatch into the first captive-bred tuna in the Philippines,” Baliao said.

The research center has been studying their reproductive biology since 2020 as part of a project funded by the Japanese government.Perla Lena/PNA

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He said that he had everyone’s attention when he started talking about using technology for governance, but he lost their attention when he started talking about graft and corruption in government.

Without alluding to anyone, Mayor Magalong asked why is it that some mayors could not seem to satisfy their desire to get hold of public funds for their own gains. He said that despite the fact that these mayors already get a kickback from each project, they still want to become not only the contractor, but also the supplier to the contractors. They want everything.

Going straight to the point, committing graft is not only a crime, it is also a sin. Considering that there are only a few atheists in this country, it would be safe to assume that most of those who are serving in government positions believe either believe in God, or belong to a church, mosque or temple as the case may be.

So why are the incidents of sin so high among them?

The answer to my question is very simple. The incidents of sin nowadays are very high, because the system itself is corrupt. It is a system that not only enables graft and corruption to prosper, it also allows the sinners to get away with their crimes. As a matter of fact, nobody really sees them as criminals nowadays.

CORAL REEF PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION

We may not be able to eat the sea corals, but we can eat the fish and other marine life that are able to survive because of their dependence on these corals.

And so, the math for this is very simple. The less corals in the sea, the lesser fish there will be, and that would not only mean lesser food for us to eat, it would also mean lesser livelihood for the fishermen who depend on the seas for their survival.

And so that is my answer to the greedy people who would ask me “what’s in it for me?”. What’s in it for them is the food that the fishermen could harvest to bring to their tables, even if they may not care for the livelihoods of these fishermen.

And if that is not enough for them, I could tell them that if there are more corals in the seas, there will be lesser warming of sea temperatures that could also lessen global warming.

Years ago, my late friend Ernie Pelaez started an artificial coral reef project in Duka Bay Resort in Medina, Misamis Oriental. It is now being managed by his cousin, Jessie Pelaez.

The idea behind the project is very simple. After introducing the “fake” coral reefs, it will create the right environment for the real, natural coral reefs to grow back, and because of that, the fish will come back and survive.

A similar project was started by the Filipino Inventors Society in Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas. It is aptly named the “Sea Bliss Artificial Coral Reef Rejuvenation Project, implemented in cooperation with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the local government.

The post Systemic corruption first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The event was led by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), the Iloilo M.I.C.E Alliance, and Megaworld Corporation, supported by the local government units of the city and province of Iloilo, the Department of Tourism (DOT-6), Tourism Promotions Board, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Iloilo.

IFFI president Allan Ryan Tan, in his speech, stressed that the campaign is a call-to-action for all tourism sectors to be unified in the stride to establish Iloilo as one of the top destinations in the world.

“It is an invitation for everyone to immerse themselves in our Ilonggo history, heritage, and hospitality. Visit Iloilo is an endeavor to elevate Iloilo as the Philippines’ festival capital,” Tan said, noting that 50 partners signed a commitment wall, signifying their unified effort to promote Iloilo’s gastronomy, and historical and cultural richness.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. supported the campaign as the different tourism activities and festivals in Iloilo already show their commitment to solidifying the city and province as premier destinations.

“Iloilo City has thrived as a cultural and tourist hub for years in the Philippines. It’s a place where visitors keep on coming back as they are captivated by our lively festivals and rich cultural heritage. However, our ambition is to level up continually,” Treñas said.

“We would like to Visit Iloilo because you know why? My heart already beats in Iloilo City. We are fun, foodie, friendly Iloilo province,” Defensor also stressed.

Meanwhile, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts managing director Cleofe Albiso said that the campaign’s inclusive vision will feature an e-commerce platform showcasing local businesses, and the importance of unified marketing efforts.

Visit Iloilo also targets creating consistent digital awareness campaigns and new tour packages to boost tourist receipts that will lead to more economic gains and opportunities for all.

Data from the DOT-6 revealed that the city and province of Iloilo logged a total of 886,283 and 318,535 tourist arrivals last year, which translated to P11 billion in tourist receipts.AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo

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In an official statement, DepEd dismissed as “highly inaccurate and misleading” the report by radio station XFM Radyo Patrol Iloilo.

“According to the Schools Division Office concerned, no teacher was reported to have died due to heatstroke,” it said.

Based on official records, one of the teachers died in February due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease, while the other succumbed to aneurysm.

“In both instances, the teachers were reportedly at home,” DepEd said.

In a radio interview, Leonil Salvilla, spokesperson of the Schools Division Office of Iloilo, said the teachers from Sta. Barbara Central School had underlying medical conditions, which may be aggravated by the hot weather.IMT

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