BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for September 9, 2024
HEADLINES
Typhoon Yagi kills 14 in Vietnam as officials warn of heavy rain that can cause flooding
US is beefing up mpox testing, vaccine access against new strain, officials say
Greece to Increase Port Fees and Limit Cruise Ships at Most Popular Islands
Tentative Contract After Longshore Union Stops Hamburg Port Operations
Explosion and Fire at Bangladesh Scrapyard Kills One, Injures 11
6 Chinese ships return to Panatag Shoal
Quezon City logs two more mpox cases, urges caution
KOJC’s Apollo Quiboloy ‘surrenders’ to AFP intelligence service
DOH warns anew vs leptospirosis
LPA enters PAR, may turn into typhoon Pagasa
3 Luzon dams continue to release water
DA to finish ASF vaccine procurement in October
2 Metro Manila bettors to split P281-M Grand Lotto pot
Mutya ng Pilipinas Alyssa Redondo third queen to win both swimsuit, gown awards
Kathryn Bernardo declares she’s ‘in control’ as she graces magazine cover
James Reid happy about ‘Randomantic’s’ renewed success on the charts
PBA: TNT gets back at Converge to regain Group A lead
Alas Pilipinas relishes takeaways from tough weekend slate vs Japan clubs
Alex Eala moves a win away from WTA 500 main draw
One entrepreneur at a time
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Typhoon Yagi kills 14 in Vietnam as officials warn of heavy rain that can cause flooding
HANOI, Vietnam, September 9 —— At least 14 people have died and 176 others injured in Vietnam after Typhoon Yagi slammed the country’s north, state media said, as officials warned of heavy downpours despite its waning power.
Described by Vietnamese officials as one of the most powerful typhoons to hit the region over the last decade, Yagi left more than 3 million people without electricity in northern Vietnam. It also damaged vital agricultural land, nearly 116,192 hectares where rice and fruits are mostly grown. Hundreds of flights were canceled after four airports were closed.
The typhoon made landfall in Vietnam’s northern coastal provinces of Quang Ninh and Haiphong with wind speeds of up to 149 kilometers per hour (92 miles per hour) on Saturday afternoon. It raged for roughly 15 hours before gradually weakening into a tropical depression early Sunday morning. Vietnam’s meteorological department predicted heavy rain in northern and central provinces and warned of floods in low-lying areas, flash floods in streams and landslides on steep slopes.
Municipal workers along with army and police forces were busy in the capital, Hanoi, clearing uprooted trees, fallen billboards, toppled electricity poles and rooftops that were swept away, while assessing damaged buildings.
Yagi was still a storm when it blew out of the northwestern Philippines into the South China Sea on Wednesday, leaving at least 20 people dead and 26 others missing mostly in landslides and widespread flooding in the acrchipelago nation. It then made its way to China, killing three people and injuring nearly a hundred others, before landing in Vietnam. Storms like Typhoon Yagi were “getting stronger due to climate change, primarily because warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel the storms, leading to increased wind speeds and heavier rainfall,” said Benjamin Horton, director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore.
Source: mb.com.ph
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US is beefing up mpox testing, vaccine access against new strain, officials say
CHICAGO, Illinois, September 9 —— The United States has beefed up testing and surveillance for a new strain of mpox and has ensured that vaccines are readily available at local pharmacies and community health centers, senior administration officials said in a briefing. No cases of the more transmissible strain of the virus have been confirmed in the United States, but experts are preparing for that possibility following a World Health Organization declaration last month of a global public health emergency, the second such declaration in two years.
The new strain, called clade Ib, has caused a major surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has spilled over to several neighboring countries. Travel-related cases have been confirmed in both Sweden and Thailand.
In a briefing, senior U.S. administration officials said any American doctor can now order an mpox test, which can be processed through national laboratory chains. Positive tests that are not the older strain of mpox will be sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. Health officials in Wayne County, Michigan, last month had reported a new case of mpox, but additional testing showed that it was from the older strain known as clade II, a county health official told Reuters. Currently, the United States is continuing to see about three cases a day of mpox from the clade II virus that caused a public health emergency in 2022. Officials said they have been working to make mpox vaccines widely available through local pharmacies, noting that because Bavarian Nordic’s BAVA.CO Jynneos vaccine has been commercialized, it should be covered by most insurance plans.
Vaccines can also be obtained through public health departments and community health centers, irrespective of insurance status, to encourage vaccination among individuals who were most susceptible during the clade II outbreak in 2022: mostly men and bisexual men who have sex with men, officials said.
The U.S. government also has added testing for any form of mpox to its wastewater surveillance system, and said there is good coverage in most major cities. The government is working to add clade I-specific testing. The government has also been working on rapid tests, and while such efforts have been challenging, an official said the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Tech program that spurred production of COVID-19 tests has developed such a test, which could be available in the coming months.
Mpox, which typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions but can be deadly, spreads through close contact, including through sex.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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MARITIME NEWS
Greece to Increase Port Fees and Limit Cruise Ships at Most Popular Islands
September 9 —— Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis detailed a series of steps the country plans to roll out to better manage the influx of tourism Greece is experiencing. He introduced the concepts in a major policy speed on Saturday but during a press conference Sunday insisted Greece does not have an overtourism problem but a few specific locations the Prime Minister said are being inundated. Announcing the government’s approach to tourism, the Prime Minister highlighted the country is going from one record year to the next record year now. “We had another extremely successful tourism year,” he said in his policy speech. “Tourism supports the economy with significant resources and jobs, but also has its own special share of social issues.”
Details of the approach called for imposing a €20 ($22) per person port tax during the peak summer months for passengers arriving both at Santorini and Mykonos. It will be lower at other ports and escalate based on the season. “A significant part of this specific revenue will return to the local communities,” the Prime Minister promised. “It is important for them to be better organized, to support their infrastructure against the burden they receive every summer.”
The move to take steps to control tourism, and specifically cruise passengers, came as Greece is set to surpass seven million annual cruise passengers according to the local trade association. Overall, the Bank of Greece says tourism was up more than 15 percent in the first half of 2024 above the record 33 million visitors to Greece in 2023. Prime Minister Mitsotakis told the audience they were becoming very concerned with the image of some islands overrun by tourists during the busy summer cruise season. He said in addition to the new port tax they were working with the individual destinations to establish limits to daily cruise ship arrivals.
Both Santorini and Mykonos were already moving to institute limits although local officials said the challenge is that cruise lines typically set itineraries two years or more in advance. Santorini in 2024 cut the number of peak days to 48 down from 63 in 2023. Despite that, the island with a population of under 16,000, had days with 11,000 cruise passengers and reported a peak of 16,000 to 17,000 in one day. Santorini said it wants to reimpose a cap of no more than 8,000 cruise passengers in a single day.
Mykonos was expecting approximately 1,000 cruise ship visits in 2024 with a total of 1.5 million visitors. The peak came on August 27 when a total of eight cruise ships were scheduled to make port calls in one day. Officials on the island warned that they could be receiving as many as 20,000 visitors that day. The Prime Minister tied the caps to the country’s efforts to also deal with climate change and its impact on the environment. The new cruise fees were part of a broader effort which he said would also include new fees on short-term rentals which he blamed for causing a shortage of housing and driving up costs.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Tentative Contract After Longshore Union Stops Hamburg Port Operations
September 9 —— Germany’s labor union Ver.di and the employers of longshore workers reported today they have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract after months of disputes and “warning strikes.” Today’s agreement after the fifth round of talks came as the union had staged yet another strike that was disrupting the Port of Hamburg.
Ver.di reported last month that members had rejected a previous offer of two alternatives after union leaders agreed to submit what was being called the “best and final” offer from the Central Association of German Seaport Companies (ZDS). Union leaders had expressed skepticism about the offers when agreeing to send them to the membership and then said at the end of August a new round of negotiations would be required.
The latest warning strike began on September 4 with dockworkers at the three container terminals operated by HHLA. In addition to their dissatisfaction with the contract offer, dockworkers were expressing their dissatisfaction with Hamburg’s Parliament’s approval this week of the agreement for MSC to acquire half of HHLA. HHLA’s intermodal operation METRANS reported this morning, September 6, that the situation at the Port of Hamburg had escalated again. They said the port was not accepting trains with reports that delays at the terminals were exceeding 24 hours.
ZDS and Ver.di late today however issued statements saying an agreement had been reached for the dockworkers. The union called the latest offer “viable” saying the employers had improved the terms. Among the elements, they cite a closing of the pay gap among different groups with strong benefits for lower-wage groups. They said in addition to base wage increases, ZDS agreed to an “inflation compensation premium” for all workers and improvements in the pay rate for public holidays and Sundays.
Some elements of the pay increases are effective October 1. Additional increases go into effect January 1, 2025. The contract term is for 14 months until July 31, 2025. Ver.di is expressing satisfaction with the offer and will now submit it to members. The union’s Federal Collective Bargaining Commission will meet on September 27. They will make a final decision on the proposed contract based on the survey results from members.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Explosion and Fire at Bangladesh Scrapyard Kills One, Injures 11
September 9 —— There was an explosion and subsequent fire at one of Bangladesh’s green certified shipyards on Saturday morning, as workers were cutting into a tanker being dismantled at the yard. It is one of the most serious recent accidents in the industry and caused renewed concerns about the shipbreaking industry. Local fire and police officials are reporting the explosion occurred around 11:30 a.m. at the SN Corporation, a shipbreaking yard in Chattogram, and one of only four currently certified as a green yard. Accounts vary on the circumstances but it is believed the team of 12 workers was cutting into the engine spaces aboard a former tanker that has been mostly dismantled. Some reports said they were attempting to open one of the fuel tanks while others said the explosion occurred in a pump room.
Two local fire teams rushed to the yard and were able to control the blaze and evacuate 12 workers to the local hospital. Eight of them were transferred later Saturday to an advanced burn facility but one person, a 38-year-old manager from the yard, succumbed to his injuries before reaching the facility. Of the seven others transferred, doctors reported most had burns ranging from 60, 70, or 80 percent of their bodies, with the least injured having burns on 25 and 45 percent of their bodies. They are also reporting inhalation burns and hearing injuries.
The Bangladesh Ministry of Industries ordered all work suspended at the yard. They also said a board of investigation was being formed. A representative of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association highlighted the yard’s green certification. He said an initial review showed the dismantling documents were in order.
Citing data from the Labor Resource and Support Center, the Dhaka Tribune is highlighting government information on the dangers of the industry. The report shows that 124 people have died of accidents in the past nine years at the scrapyards. The newspaper says that in the first six months of 2024, there have been 12 accidents at the yards resulting in 12 injuries and one death. A representative for the union issued a statement saying the accident occurred because the work was not being done according to rules and cited lax enforcement. They allege the yards are hiring contractors to do the cutting and that they do not follow safety and workplace rules.
Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry has been under pressure from the pandemic and then the financial collapse in the country. The association says the number of yards was at more than 150 before the pandemic but fell first to 55 to 60 and then with the financial crisis was down to just 10 to 15 yards. While the number of ships being sent for scrap remains low, they said the number of yards increased this year to between 30 and 35. Only four have green certification while another five to six yards are reported to be in the process of earning certification.
The NGO Shipbreaking Platform is highly critical of the industry in Southeast Asia. They contend, that the industry suffers from a serious lack of transparency with many incidents likely going unreported, particularly in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, where the NGO says authorities and the industry fail to publish data on injuries and death. The group in its second quarter 2024 report said Bangladesh was the most active country with 48 ships out of a total of 94 ships dismantled worldwide between April and June 2024.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
6 Chinese ships return to Panatag Shoal
MANILA, Philippines, September 9 —— Chinese vessels have returned to the West Philippine Sea after they left Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal last week due to Tropical Storm Enteng, US maritime security expert Ray Powell said.
Powell, program head of Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said six of China’s Qiong Sansha Yu maritime militia ships and one China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel were en route yesterday from Panganiban (Mischief) Reef to Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc. He reported on Sept. 3 that the six Chinese maritime militia ships fled Panatag Shoal due to Enteng.
The CCG vessel remained at the shoal. “Six new China Qiong Sansha Yu maritime militia & one China Coast Guard ship are now en route from Mischief Reef to Scarborough Shoal to replace the ships that left in advance of Tropical Storm Yagi (Enteng) last week,” Powell said in a post on X.
Source: philstar.com
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Quezon City logs two more mpox cases, urges caution
MANILA, Philippines, September 9 —— The Quezon City government confirmed its second and third cases of mpox, following the initial case reported last week. The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) identified the second case as a 29-year-old male and the third as a 36-year-old male. Both are currently under home isolation and receiving medical treatment, the Quezon City government said.
The second case started showing symptoms, including a mouth lesion, on August 21 and was tested on August 28. His test came back positive on August 30. The third case experienced a fever on August 26 and developed a rash the following day. His test result from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) confirmed mpox on September 5. “Hindi biro ang mpox. Malala ang epekto nito, lalo na sa mga taong mahina ang immune system kaya napakahalaga na tayo mismo ay mag-ingat para hindi makakuha ng virus, at hindi tayo makahawa pa,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.
Belmonte advised the public to practice frequent handwashing and avoid contact with individuals showing mpox symptoms. The Quezon City mayor also urged those experiencing symptoms to seek medical help. “Kung may sintomas kayo ng mpox, agad nang pumunta sa pinakamalapit na health center o ospital para magpatingin. Hindi namin kayo papabayaan at handang tumulong ang lokal na pamahalaan para sa inyong mabilis na pagpapagaling,” Belmonte said.
The QCESD has already started contact tracing efforts and is monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to the two patients. Two weeks ago, the city reported its first mpox case, a 37-year-old man, who is currently under home quarantine. The Department of Health (DOH) has reported eight active mpox cases, all of which are the milder MPXV clade II strain. Since July 2022, the country has logged a total of 17 cases.
Source: philstar.com
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KOJC’s Apollo Quiboloy ‘surrenders’ to AFP intelligence service
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines, September 9 —— Doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy is finally in the hands of authorities, Sunday, September 8, ending a grueling manhunt inside the vast Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property in Davao City.
He was flown from Davao to Manila and brought to the Philippine National Police custodial facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Sunday evening. His lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said in a statement: “Based on reliable information, our client, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, voluntarily surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces, or ISAFP.”
Earlier, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos posted on Facebook and broke the news about Quiboloy’s supposed arrest. “Nahuli na po si Apollo Quiboloy”, Abalos said. Whether Quiboloy was arrested or whether he surrendered has become a point of contention online, as details continue to trickle in. Topacio took aim at Abalos, saying, “He was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government]. Therefore, it is epal (attention-seeking) to the highest level for Sec. Abalos to be seemingly taking credit for the non-existent arrest.”
Soon after Abalos’ announcement of the supposed arrest, Davao region police director Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III told Radyo 630, “I really don’t know the details. Pakitanong si DILG chief [Abalos]. Siya ang nakakaalam sa mga detalye. Senator Risa Hontiveros, in her statement, said: “Mananagot ka, Apollo Quiboloy… We commend our law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts and dedication, despite Quiboloy’s tactics. Magpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Senado para matuldukan ang sistematikong pang-aabuso sa mga pinakabulnerable sa lipunan.”
Negotiations began past noon, PNP says
The PNP held a press conference livestreamed on its Facebook page at 10:30 pm, providing details on Quiboloy’s surrender. PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said Quiboloy surrendered at 5:30 pm and was flown from Davao City by 6:30 pm via a C-130 plane. She told the media that negotiations began 1:30 pm with authorities giving suspects an ultimatum to surrender within 24 hours. “Nagbigay po ang PNP ng ultimatum na sumuko po sila (Quiboloy) otherwise, ay papasukin na po natin yong isang particular na building na hindi po tayo pinapayagang pumasok, so nagkaroon ng negotiation ang PNP na kinatawan ng intelligence group at ISAFP — pinagtulungan po ito that led to the peaceful surrender nina Pastor Quiboloy at apat pa,”” Fajardo said.
Fajardo confirmed that they got Quiboloy from inside the KOJC compound, and that it was a joint effort by the PNP and AFP. The suspects arrived at the custodial facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City at 9:10 pm where they underwent booking procedures and medical examinations. Earlier, Davao Police Regional Director Nicolas Torre announced the pull out of troops from the KOJC compound, saying “Tapos na ang trabaho”.
Four-month hunt
Quiboloy’s capture concluded a four-month hunt for the elusive preacher, who faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse, and qualified trafficking in two separate courts. The courts issued arrest warrants in April for Quiboloy and five of his followers: siblings Ingrid, Cresente, and Paulene Canada; Jackielyn Roy; and Sylvia Cemañes. Police arrested Paulene, identified as a former KOJC finance officer, in Davao in July. Authorities repeatedly attempted to arrest Quiboloy and the other fugitives at his known properties in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani but were unsuccessful until the recent operation.
Some 2,000 cops — later reinforced by over 1,000 police personnel from various regions — stormed the KOJC compound in Buhangin before the first light of day on August 24. Thousands of Quiboloy supporters took to the streets the following afternoon, continuing their protest against what they called the “siege” until Monday afternoon, August 26, when outnumbered police breached the barricades, dispersed the crowd, dismantled the makeshift stage, removed roadblocks, and arrested more than a dozen KOJC members.
Police remained on the property and continued their search for Quiboloy despite a temporary protection order issued by Judge Mario Duaves of the Davao Regional Trial Court’s 15th branch on Tuesday, August 27. The court ordered police to remove all barriers obstructing the movement of Quiboloy’s followers in and out of the KOJC property and to refrain from infringing on civil liberties. However, the court also stated that the protection order coexisted with the arrest warrants — a clause authorities used to justify the prolonged search at the KOJC property.
On September 5, the Court of Appeals declared the temporary protection order for KOJC null and void. More than 100 people were hurt during the standoff. Police reported 60 officers were wounded, while KOJC lawyer Israelito Torreon claimed at least 54 of Quiboloy’s followers were injured or suffered heart and anxiety attacks and were taken to a hospital. Since August 24, police have arrested and filed complaints against 29 KOJC members for obstruction of justice and assaulting authorities.
Source: rappler.com
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DOH warns anew vs leptospirosis
MANILA, Philippines, September 9 —— The Department of Health (DOH) issued a public health advisory against leptospirosis following the expected flooding due to Tropical Storm Enteng (international name: Yagi). The DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa warned to not wade through floodwaters as much as anyone can. “Madumi ang tubig baha. Iwasan hanggat kaya. Hugasan ang katawan ng tubig at sabon pagkaahon. Anuman ang dahilan, basta napalusong, kahit walang sugat o nararamdaman, kumonsulta agad sa doktor o health center sa loob ng 1-2 araw,” Herbosa said in a statement.
According to the health department, there had been a spike in leptospirosis cases after the flooding caused by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon-induced rains. A total of 3,785 cases have been recorded nationwide as of August 17, five percent higher than the recorded 3,605 cases of the same period last year. Meanwhile, DOH said that 1,184 cases were logged from July 21 to August 3 at the height of Carina and monsoon-induced floods. However, while there had been a decrease in cases from August 4-17 with 699 cases, the health agency’s epidemiologists warned that “without proper precautions like prophylaxis, the number of cases will most likely go up again due to floods brought by T.S Enteng.”
Free consultations
Herbosa noted free consultations in government health centers and precautionary measures to take against leptospirosis. “Mayroon pa ring antibiotic prophylaxis (pag-iwas), at libre ang konsulta at reseta sa government health center. Naka price-freeze pa rin ang mga gamot kasama ang Doxycycline sa mga lugar na tinamaan noon ng bagyong Carina, hanggang September 23. Kumonsulta po tayo,” he added.
As of 4 a.m. on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said that the center of the tropical storm was located at the coastal waters of Paoay, Ilocos Norte moving northwestward with a speed of 25 kilometers per hour (km/h). It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h with gustiness of up to 125 km/h.
Source: inquirer.net
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LPA enters PAR, may turn into typhoon Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines, September 9 —— Two low-pressure areas (LPAs) monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility might develop into typhoons, with one already reported to have entered PAR, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. At a weather briefing, PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres said that, as of 3 p.m. yesterday, the LPA inside PAR was located 1,340 east-northeast of Northern Luzon. “We do not rule out that (this) LPA will develop into a typhoon,” Torres said.
PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda said the LPA outside PAR was located east of Mindanao. “At present, we continue to monitor the two LPAs, one in the east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon while the other LPA is located east of Mindanao. We do not discount the possibility that the two LPAs will develop into typhoons in the next days. But within 24 hours, the chance of developing into tropical cyclones is still low,” Castañeda said. She added that while the two weather disturbances still have no direct effect in any part of the country, the LPAs would enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains in Northern and Central Luzon. “If the LPA east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon reaches the northern boundary of PAR, it is possible that it will enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains to the western section of Northern and Central Luzon,” Castañeda also said.a
As for the LPA east of Mindanao, Castañeda said it would also enhance the southwest monsoon. “It is possible that by the second half of this week, the enhanced southwest monsoon will bring rains in the western section of Visayas and Mindanao.” The southwest monsoon at present continues to affect Luzon and bring rains in the western and northern section of Northern Luzon, Castañeda noted.
For Metro Manila, PAGASA weather forecaster Daniel James Villamil said sunny and humid weather is expected in the next five days. “We will not yet have rain similar to what we experienced in the past days. The rains in the afternoon will be associated with thunderstorms,” Villamil said. The enhanced southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Enteng have caused flooding in many areas in Metro Manila and other provinces.
Source: philstar.com
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3 Luzon dams continue to release water
MANILA, Philippines, September 9 —— At least three dams in Luzon continue to release water to prevent the reservoirs from reaching spilling levels, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydro-meteorology department said in its latest report.
As of 8 a.m. yesterday, one gate of Ipo Dam in Bulacan remained open at 0.15 meters. Ipo Dam reached 100.49 meters or 0.61 meters below its normal high water level of 101.10 meters. In Benguet, Ambuklao Dam’s two gates remained open after the reservoir reached 751.69 meters compared to its normal high water level of 752 meters. One gate of Binga Dam also released water after reaching 574.67 meters compared to its normal high water level of 575 meters.
PAGASA said the water level of Angat Dam continued to improve after it reached 194.32 meters or 0.31 meters higher compared to its previous level of 194 meters, although this is still 15.68 meters below the normal high water level of 210 meters. Water at La Mesa Dam in Quezon City dropped by 0.23 meters after it reached 89.41 meters, beyond its spilling level of 80.15 meters, amid the rains brought by the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Enteng.
The San Roque Dam in Pangasinan also improved by 1.52 meters after reaching 249.82 meters while the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija increased by 0.45 meters or at 193.87 meters, compared to its previous level of 193.42 meters. Magat Dam in Isabela was up by 0.58 meters after it reached 185.05 meters compared to its previous level of 184.47 meters. Meanwhile, Caliraya Dam in Laguna dropped by 0.04 meters after it reached 286.81 meters compared to its previous level of 286.85 meters.
Source: philstar.com
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DA to finish ASF vaccine procurement in October
MANILA, Philippines, September 9 —— The procurement of all 600,000 doses of vaccine against African swine fever (ASF) is expected to be completed next month, according to the Department of Agriculture.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that validation continues for the ongoing vaccination of hogs in Lobo, Batangas, the “ground zero” of the outbreaks, and other provinces affected by ASF. “Validation of areas in and outside Lobo is ongoing so we can utilize the entire 10,000 doses for the vaccination of pigs,” De Mesa said.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier approved the release of at least P350 million for the procurement of 600,000 doses of ASF vaccine. “We expect to finish the procurement of the remaining balance of the 600,000 vaccine doses (next month), so the vaccination will be finished by December,” De Mesa said.
The 10,000 doses of ASF vaccine were acquired through emergency procurement amid reported outbreaks in several areas in Batangas. The purchase of the remaining 590,000 doses is being done under the normal procurement process of the DA. Stakeholders have asked Tiu Laurel to deputize them in the hog vaccination program being conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry, an attached agency of the DA. “We have a limited number of veterinarians. Stakeholders requested to deputize veterinarians from local government units, academe and the animal industry to hasten the vaccination of hogs,” De Mesa said. He said the DA is planning to tap private laboratories in the testing of pigs to determine if the animals are healthy and qualified for vaccination. “These are very important steps to ensure that the vaccination will continue smoothly,” he said.
Up to 41 hogs in Lobo were reportedly inoculated when the controlled vaccination started on Aug. 30. Meanwhile, farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) has warned of shortage in the supply of pork in 2025 due to ASF. SINAG chairman Rosendo So assured consumers of adequate pork supply only until the holiday season. So said the shortage is expected next year as hograisers are compelled to sell early their hogs that are supposed to be slaughtered in January and February for fear that the animals might contract the virus. He said Tiu Laurel is expected to meet with hog raisers to discuss possible solutions to the problem.
Source: philstar.com
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2 Metro Manila bettors to split P281-M Grand Lotto pot
MANILA, September 9 —— Two bettors from Metro Manila will split the PHP281 million jackpot of last Grand Lotto 6/55 draw. In an advisory, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said two winning tickets bearing the lucky numbers 31-03-17-47-24-20 were bought in SM BF Parañaque and Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., in Muntinlupa City. The total jackpot prize is PHP281,263,080.
Meanwhile, 59 others won PHP100,000 each for hitting five out of the six winning numbers; and 2,075 bettors will get PHP1,500 each for getting four correct numbers. The winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim the prize, as specified in Republic Act 1169 or the law on PCSO lotteries. All jackpot prizes must be claimed at the PCSO main office on Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.
Winners must write their names and signatures on the back of the winning tickets and present two government-issued identification cards or documents. Lotto winnings of more than PHP10,000 are subject to 20 percent tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. The Grand Lotto 6/55 is drawn every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Mutya ng Pilipinas Alyssa Redondo third queen to win both swimsuit, gown awards
September 9 —— Recently-crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental Alyssa Redondo is the third major national pageant titleholder to bag two major special awards in her national competition just this quarter alone, the first two being the top winners of the Binibining Pilipinas and Miss World Philippines contests.
Winning Best in Swimsuit is a major feat for a pageant aspirant, an award that almost always guarantees a crown in the end. But also getting the Best in Gown award is a rare occurrence, even with perceived strong contenders. Redondo did just that, taking both major special awards, and eventually snagging the most important crown at the culmination of the 2024 Mutya ng Pilipinas coronation night held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Friday, Sept. 6. And she had two precedents from major national pageants that conducted their respective final competitions in July, whose top winners also both received the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown awards.
Myrna Esguerra had a convincing win as Bb. Pilipinas International at the 60th edition of the national pageant on July 7 because she also topped both the swimsuit and gown segments during the competition. This feat was accomplished in the past by her Binibini sisters Gabrielle Basiano in 2022 and 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray. Krishnah Gravidez also dominated the Miss World Philippines finals on July 19, by taking home the top title and the awards for both swimsuit and gown. She also took home a slew of special citations just like Redondo and Esguerra.
Redondo, who represented the Filipino community in California in the recently-concluded Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant, was also proclaimed as Miss Jimang Trim and Miss Luxe Skin.
Source: inquirer.net
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Kathryn Bernardo declares she’s ‘in control’ as she graces magazine cover
September 9 —— Kathryn Bernardo declared that she’s in control while noting that she’s the “muse and maker” of her own life, as she graced the digital cover of a local fashion magazine.
Bernardo was the cover girl of Preview Magazine’s September 2024 issue as announced during the recent Preview Ball held at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on Friday, Sept. 6. The cover shoot showed the actress as the artist and the muse, which is an ode to the current state of her life. Her looks, which mostly consisted of the actress donning several outfits in the shade of nude, were put together by hairstylist John Valle and makeup artist Justine Del Rosario. Her ensembles were crafted by fashion designers Rik Rasos, Gabbie Sarenas, Neric Beltran, Martin Bautista, and Joseph Bagasao, as seen in a joint Instagram post.
Bernardo spoke about showing a more “daring” side of herself in the cover interview, saying it was a “gradual buildup” from her past experiences until reaching her peak. She also admitted that growing up in the limelight made her “overthink” how she would present herself and interact with the public. “I would say na I’ve noticed the change too… I feel like I’m in control of my own life now — my body, my choices… Gradually nangyari siya, and up until now I’m still working on it,” she was quoted as saying. “I would say na parang late bloomer ako when it comes to that because it was just during my early 20s when I felt that change.”
As the actress noted that she’s currently in her “transition stage,” she reiterated that she wants to present herself with “authenticity” while reminding herself of her worth. “Nasa transition stage ako ng buhay ko. It’s very tough, to be honest, but I know na this will all be worth it, and I want my future self to thank me for that… Sa ngayon, hindi pa tapos ‘yung artwork,” she declared. “I have the freedom to add to that because I’m the artist.”
Source: inquirer.net
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James Reid happy about ‘Randomantic’s’ renewed success on the charts
September 9 —— With “Randomantic” gaining a newfound appreciation in social media and among music fans, James Reid said he is happy that many listeners are tuning in to the track.
“Randomantic” was included in Reid’s EP (or extended play) “Reid Alert” released in February 2015. The track centers around the persona willing to do all kinds of romantic gestures to show his love, with the lyrics saying, “Haharanahin kita sa’n man tayo magpunta / ‘Yung tipong kahit wala lang / O kaya may on the spot dinner date and this time I won’t be late / Lahat ay dahil wala lang / I just wanna do simple random things to say, ‘I love you.’”
The track gained a newfound appreciation among the public, with netizens using it as the background music for fan edits involving their celebrity crushes like Seventeen’s Wonwoo and Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena. It also made it to the ninth rank of the Billboard Philippines’ Top Philippine Songs charts dated Sept. 9. “I love that song! It’s my favorite song on the album ‘Reid Alert,’ and I’m loving it right now. It’s great to see that it’s coming back [in popularity] and to see so many people posting about it,” he told INQUIRER.net on the sidelines of the Preview Ball nude carpet. He was also accompanied by his girlfriend, Issa Pressman. Pressman also chimed in, saying, she and Reid would also see netizens using it as the background track for fan edits. “People would post it and use it on their fan edits,” she said.
On ‘Sandal’
Reid also spoke about his new single “Sandal” which was written with Luke April, a member of the Davao-based hip-hop and R&B group, PlayerTwo. “It feels good because that song is very special to me. Maybe one of the most unique songs I’ve personally written because it was done in Tagalog. I had a lot of help from Luke April from PlayerTwo who’s such an incredible artist,” he said. The singer-songwriter also shared that it’s meant to be a dedication to Pressman, who makes him “feel free.”
Source: inquirer.net
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SPORTS NEWS
PBA: TNT gets back at Converge to regain Group A lead
MANILA, Philippines, September 9 —— TNT found an extra gear when it mattered most, fending off Converge for a 98-91 victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup. The Tropang Giga made sure they would get back at the FiberXers for their lone loss in the tournament’s first round, with Jayson Castro and Calvin Oftana hitting shots in the final minute at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
“The header on our board was one word: ‘Learn’. This game was an opportunity for us to learn from our last game,” said head coach Reyes, whose crew improved to 5-1, reclaiming the lead in Group A play of the import-laden showcase. “When they made run, we said ‘we’ve been here before, and we expected this.’ We just made sure to execute when we needed to execute and Jayson made some [plays] down the stretch,” he added of his veteran playmaker, who hit a big triple from on top of the key with 1:09 clock—one of the two final two shots that foiled the enemy’s bid at a comeback.
Castro finished with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Oftana also had 14. Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson showed the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds while Rey Nambatac led the locals with 17 points. Justin Arana put up 16 points for Converge, while Schonny Winston played the finest game of his young PBA career with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Alec Stockton chipped in 15 into the scoring effort, but with import Scotty Hopson having a subpar night with only 13 points, the FiberXers fell short and then settled for a 2-4 win-loss mark.
TNT shoots for a fourth-straight win and a repeat over Meralco on Thursday, while Converge tries to get out of a three-game slide against NorthPort the night before.
Source: inquirer.net
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Alas Pilipinas relishes takeaways from tough weekend slate vs Japan clubs
September 9 —— The Philippine women’s volleyball team fell once again to the more experienced Japanese club team Saga Hitsamitsu Springs, 25-14, 25-21, 25-19, on the second and final day of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Opposite hitter Mika Yoshitake showed the way for Saga with 16 points, 14 from attacks, as the Japanese visitors, a nine-time champion in the Japan pro league, completed a two-game sweep of the Filipinas. Still, the experience turned out fruitful for Alas, with reigning UAAP women’s volleyball MVP Bella Belen noting some of their takeaways. “We’re very happy since we experienced that kind of competition, and I think we still have a lot to improve on, and we need to bring the lessons learned here to our respective competitions,” said Belen.
Alyssa Solomon paced Alas with 7 points, Sisi Rondina added 5, while Vanie Gandler and Fifi Sharma added 4 each for the national team. “It’s good for us,” said Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito. “We need to give exposure to all of them… we need more matches at this level. We need international-level play since we’re the national team.” he added.
Belen also pointed out that Alas learned patience during the two-game exhibition slate, as the Japanese game is predicated more on floor defense. “Hindi sila agad namamatayan ng bola, hindi tulad ng sa local teams na ‘onting palo lang, babagsak na ‘yung bola,” the National University star told reporters after the game. While the Alas team scrambled to receive and score points, their Japanese counterparts exhibited poise and took time with their clinical method of scoring, noted Belen.
The invitational tourney — which also saw the Alas team lose in straight sets on Saturday, 25-19, 25-16, 25-16, against the same Japanese foes – wrapped up the national team calendar, allowing the players to be released back to their respective mother teams in the PVL and the UAAP. The PVL’s All-Filipino Conference will run from November to May, while the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament will be held from February to May next year.
During the weekend, Choco Mucho setter Mars Alba was added to the pool, with De Brito eyeing other playmakers such as Cignal’s Gel Cayuna. De Brito — who steered Alas Pilipinas to a historic bronze-finish in the Southeast Asian V. League last month — also noted other technical adjustments Alas needs to work on, like better reception and more side outs. “Women’s volleyball doesn’t kill all the time, it means you have to play, and play, and play again,” said De Brito. “Japanese teams keep on teaching around the world that, and if we get this for us, surely we’ll grow as a team.” he added.
Meanwhile, Alas Pilipinas Men kicked off its one-year leadup to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship next year with a similarly tough weekend, losing anew to Japan’s Osaka Bluteon, 25-17, 25-10, 25-21. For team captain Kim Malabunga, it was clear there were still some things lacking with Alas Men, which is ranked 64th in the world. “It’s fairly obvious that we still have a lot to work on,” Malabunga said after the game. “We still have to improve on many aspects like service, reception, blockings, and spiking, as well as teamwork,” he added.
To help address the issues, the team will head to Italy for a two-week training camp this September, but visa issues might move up the date for the team. “We are excited since it will be the first time many of us are going there and we admire their volleyball program, which will be of big help to the Philippines,” said Malabunga. No further details were disclosed as the team also awaits the results of the FIVB draw this Saturday, September 14, at Solaire Hotel in Parañaque. “We want to face the best like Poland, France, Italy, and the [United States].”
Source: rappler.com
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Alex Eala moves a win away from WTA 500 main draw
MANILA, Philippines, September 9 —— Alex Eala looks for a better showing in Mexico this week after the Filipina tennis standout put herself in a position to earn another career milestone. The 19-year-old needed just 53 minutes to prevail over Fanny Stollar of Hungary, 6-1, 6-2, in the opening round of the qualifiers of the 2024 Guadalajara Open Akron at the Panamerican Tennis Center.
Just last week, Eala exited in the second round of a Challenger event, the WTA Guadalajara 125 Open, after losing for the fourth time to former Wimbledon semifinalist Tatjana Maria of Germany. This week, Eala has a chance to qualify for the main draw of a WTA 500 event for the first time in her career.
Eala was all business from the opening serve, immediately opening a 4-0 advantage in the first set to stamp her imprint in the match. The 25-year-old Stollar got herself some reprieve when she broke Eala in the fifth game to get on the scoreboard. But that would be her only chance to score as Eala swept the next two games. The second set saw Eala’s dominance against a foe known more for her exploits in doubles. She broke the Hungarian twice while never dropping her serve to finish the set in just 26 minutes.
Eala will next face another doubles specialist in the last round of the qualifiers, Samantha Dawn Murray Sharan of Great Britain. The 36-year-old Murray Sharan downed Julia Riera of Argentina, 7-6(5), 7-5, in the qualifying first round. Last May, Riera prevented Eala from claiming a spot in the French Open main draw when she downed the Filipina in three sets. A victory by Eala over Murray Sharan will give her the opportunity to join a stellar cast in the main draw which includes 2017 French Open champion Jeļena Ostapenko of Latvia, 2022 Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins of the United States, recent US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro of the US, and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
Eala has previously qualified to the main draw of three WTA 250 events, all in 2023 — the Japan Women’s Open in Osaka, the Guangzhou Open in China, and the Jasmin Open in Tunisia. She played in the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi last February as a wildcard entry.
Source: rappler.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
One entrepreneur at a time
Last week, I had 20 senior high school students from two public schools here in Metro Manila as guests in the RFM boardroom. The visit was part of our collection of programs at Go Negosyo to strengthen entrepreneurship training among the youth. This one was called The Boardroom Experience, where we enrich students’ learning experience through direct interaction with business leaders and exposure to real-world business practices. Other CEOs have expressed their interest in hosting students at their corporate headquarters, having seen how this is no ordinary school field trip but instead, a way to give young minds a peek into the real-life business world.
Then right after, the Go Negosyo team flew to Cebu to conduct in the southern province our Youthpreneur program, where we bring top executives and mentors to the public schools to speak to the senior high school students and encourage them to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, whether in a corporate life or as founders of businesses.
The two events are such a counterpoint to the ones preceding them. Exactly a week ago, I was among the alumni of the world’s most prestigious Ivy League school. They were products of the Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Executive Education Program (OPM), a very exclusive, very elite program reserved only for high-level executives. The program trains them to become entrepreneurial leaders with the skills to maximize their impact and take their company to the next level.
The alumni had volunteered their weekend to mentor MSMEs at our 3M on Wheels free entrepreneurship event at SM Megamall, bringing to our MSMEs the benefit of the discipline and dynamic world view that they received as training from Harvard Business School. It was a privilege to have our small entrepreneurs receive mentoring from the alumni of such a prestigious institution. It was a welcome addition to our already impressive lineup of mentors – comprising founders of name droppable homegrown brands like Vivian Sarabia Opticals, Mango Tree, PR Gaz, Lotsa’ Pizza and so many more – which we have at Go Negosyo.
Former Ambassador Joey Antonio remarked that his fellow Harvard alumni were excited to be mentoring the MSMEs. “Many successful OPM graduates were once SMEs themselves, which is why many of them are excited to provide support and guidance to SMEs and startups,” he told my team. Our Icon Mentors – the veteran entrepreneurs who have become regulars at our mentoring events – echo the same feeling. It’s a fulfilling experience, they tell me, and one they will readily return to, given the chance.
For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of this work is witnessing the ripple effect of entrepreneurship. When an individual starts a business, they often hire other people. This contributes to their local economy and inspires those around them to pursue their own dreams. It creates a cycle of empowerment – a Circle of Success – that extends far beyond the initial investment. A nanopreneur hires an assistant, an informal business decides to register with the government and become a taxpaying entity in order to avail of bigger loans, small enterprises grow into medium businesses and need more office space – the multiplier effect of a robust MSME sector simply cannot be underestimated. This ripple effect can transform communities, break the cycle of poverty and open doors for future generations.
As for its social benefits, entrepreneurship is often hailed as a ticket to financial independence and personal fulfillment. For families, it gives economic and social mobility; the children get to pursue higher learning, and their children in turn are given more opportunities. The family lives better, and this benefit even goes to the extended families, which is very common in the Philippines.
Yet, for many, the barriers to entry can feel insurmountable. Access to capital, mentorship and resources is frequently limited to those who already possess advantages – those who have had the fortune of supportive networks, educational opportunities and financial backing. This is a reality that can perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit the potential of countless individuals eager to uplift themselves and their families.
I often reflect on the profound impact that opportunity can have on an individual’s life. Growing up, I was fortunate to have access to resources, mentorship and a supportive environment that allowed me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. I had my father, Joecon, mentor me not just in business but in public service. I had my grandfather, my family, my peers, mentoring me by example and giving me advice. I had the time and resources to travel and open my mind to business ideas.
I recognize that many individuals may not have had the same privileges I was given. I often wonder how many great companies would have been founded had they received the same opportunities that I had. I have met some of these small entrepreneurs. They are not lacking in drive or talent. They want to succeed. Given the right circumstances, some of them could go on to found the next multibillion-peso company and employ hundreds of thousands of Filipinos.
The breadth and scope of Go Negosyo’s entrepreneurship advocacy has come a long way since its founding 19 years ago. Over the years, it has become increasingly crucial to push for impactful changes that create not just new entrepreneurs, but an environment, an ecosystem, that supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and ensure that they have the tools and support they need to succeed. I’m just thankful that there are today more people in the private sector and in government who have joined our cause. It’s going to take more than one person to do the job, but if we have to, we can do it, one entrepreneur at a time.
Source: Go Negosyo – www.philstar.com
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Our Mission
- Maintain pools of highly qualified, motivated and dedicated seafarers who fulfill the demanding requirements in safeguarding the safety of ship and the environment.
- Lifetime Profession- Develop training and education program that involves many initiatives geared towards ensuring that personnel starting their employment with MBM are given every opportunity to progress their career through the ranks and via shore-based employment.
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2012 CAR CARRIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
We are please to announce that 10 vessels have demonstrated excellence in safety, delay-free, and bunkering-saving operations and have thus been selected to receive the Car Carrier of the Year Award for 2012
The M/V Santa Lucia saved human lives.
The M/V Santa Lucia, an 180,000-ton bulk carrier we operate with 22 Pilipino crew, saved human lives.
In the early hours of March 16, while sailing in the Molucca Sea, Indonesia, on a voyage from Japan to Australia, the ship received a distress call from an Indonesian fishing boat.
The M/V Santa Lucia proceeded to the site and rescued all 15 crew members from the boat. All the rescued crew were safe and sound and handed over to Indonesia’s coast guard in the afternoon of the same day.