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Laguna provincial library conducts “Little Readers Campaign Activity”

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Laguna provincial library conducts “Little Readers Campaign Activity”

STA. CRUZ, Laguna. In a bid to foster a love for reading among young minds, the Laguna Provincial Library (LPL) launched the “Little Readers Campaign Activity” on January 27, 2024. Led by the dynamic Ms. Justina P. Garcia, the library initiated the campaign with its weekly storytelling session at the Robinson South Luzon Mall.

The primary objective of the campaign is to make reading and storytelling enjoyable experiences for children, aiming to enhance their cognitive development. LPL firmly believes that introducing literature to youngsters should not be perceived as a chore or duty, but rather as a precious gift. The library draws inspiration from the words of renowned American children’s fiction author Ms. Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo, who emphasized, “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift.”

The storytelling session marked the commencement of a series of activities planned under the “Little Readers Campaign.” Parents, guardians, and young readers gathered at Robinson South Luzon Mall to witness the engaging session that captured the imagination of children and left them excited about the world of books.

Ms. Justina P. Garcia, expressing her enthusiasm about the campaign, stated, “We believe that cultivating a passion for reading from an early age can have a profound impact on a child’s overall development. The ‘Little Readers Campaign’ is our way of making literature an exciting adventure for young minds.”

The campaign is expected to feature various activities, including book fairs, reading workshops, and interactive storytelling sessions, aimed at creating a vibrant literary atmosphere for children within the community.

The event received positive feedback from parents and attendees who appreciated the efforts of the Laguna Provincial Library in promoting literacy and nurturing a culture of reading among the younger generation. As the “Little Readers Campaign” gains momentum, the LPL remains committed to inspiring a lifelong love for books and learning in the hearts of the community’s little readers.

Iran’s military chief asserts no fear of war with the US following drone attack

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran’s military chief asserts no fear of war with the US following drone attack

The head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), Maj Gen Hossein Salami, declared that Iran is not afraid of a potential war with the United States in the aftermath of a drone attack on a US service base in Jordan. The attack resulted in the death of three US servicemen, prompting the Pentagon to contemplate its response.

Maj Gen Hossein Salami, the IRGC commander-in-chief, addressed the situation, stating, “We hear some threats from American officials about targeting Iran. We tell them that you tested us and we know each other. We do not leave any threat unanswered, and we do not look for war, but we are not afraid of it. This is the well-known truth.”

The drone attack in question has led to increased tensions between the two nations. Kataib Hezbollah, the group held responsible for the fatal attack, announced a suspension of its military and security operations against the occupying forces in the Middle East.

As the US contemplates its response, the UK defense secretary, Grant Shapps, has traveled to Washington for crisis talks. Among the topics discussed is the potential deployment of a British aircraft carrier to the Red Sea as a replacement for the USS Dwight D Eisenhower.

Houthi forces from Yemen have continued to target US naval ships in the Red Sea, asserting these actions as acts of self-defense. The UK has expressed readiness to cooperate with the US in the region, offering to “plug a gap” in the Red Sea.

Despite mounting pressure, Iran-backed militia in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah, absolved Iran of responsibility for the drone strike. The group declared a temporary passive defense stance, urging other militias to follow suit. The situation remains complex, with the US pledging a “very consequential” response, and Iran signaling its readiness for any outcome.

The international community closely watches these developments, mindful of the potential repercussions on global trade and stability. As the situation unfolds, diplomatic efforts persist in addressing the crisis in the region, with multiple nations engaged in talks and planning for various contingencies.

PIRMA lead convenor confirms discussing PI with Romualdez

Venus L Peñaflor
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PIRMA lead convenor confirms discussing PI with Romualdez

The Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms received confirmation on Tuesday from Noel Oñate, the lead convenor of People’s Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action (PIRMA), that he met with House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other congressmen to discuss the utilization of People’s Initiative (PI) in pursuing Charter change.

This confirmation came after the panel presented a screenshot of a conversation showing a picture of Oñate and other PI petitioners during a meeting at Romualdez’s townhouse in Forbes Park, Makati City.

Oñate clarified that the meeting was initially planned to be held at his house in Cavite, but the “staff” suggested holding it at Romualdez’s house. “I initiated the meeting but was told that the meeting will be done instead at the townhouse of the Speaker,” he said.

He admitted to coordinating with congressmen who act as the “chief executive officers (CEOs)” of their districts and Romualdez, who serves as the “CEO” of the House of Representatives. “I sought the help of the Speaker, I admit, to help us in signature gathering,” Oñate added.

Amending the constitution through PI requires at least 12 percent of the total number of registered voters as signatories, with every legislative district represented by at least 3 percent of its registered voters.

Oñate denied meeting with Romualdez and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co before the photo was shown during the hearing. He clarified that Romualdez’s help was more of an “administrative” and “advisory” nature as the CEO of the House of Representatives.

“Our people will go to the districts and coordinate with the congressman because he/she is the CEO of the district. So, it is natural that we will go to the congressman,” he explained. “Their help is more of administrative in nature.”

The Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms, chaired by Senator Imee Marcos, initiated its first inquiry to determine the individuals behind the PI, which reportedly involved bribery and misrepresentation in different parts of the country.

Facilitator for Healthy Democratic Processes

House Speaker Martin Romualdez acknowledged that representatives from the People’s Initiative, including Oñate, approached him for a meeting. In a statement, Romualdez emphasized that the meeting at his townhouse was “in the spirit of open dialogue and understanding of civic actions spearheaded by our citizens.”

“As Speaker of the House, I am committed to upholding the principles of democracy and facilitating discussions on matters of national interest. The meeting with the People’s Initiative representatives was an exercise in this commitment,” he said.

Romualdez firmly denied any allegations of involvement in unlawful activities related to the PI, stating that such practices are against his principles. He urged the public and media to understand the distinct roles in the democratic framework.

Defense from House Leaders

House leaders defended Romualdez’s meeting with the PI representatives. They argued that photos taken with public figures should not be taken out of context.

“Everybody meets with the Speaker. Many go to him to ask for help. And all of them want to have their pictures taken with the Speaker. Those pictures mean nothing, because all of us normally do it,” said Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzalez Jr.

Lawmakers emphasized that having pictures taken with individuals, groups, or various sectors is part of being a public servant. They urged their Senate counterparts to pass the Senate’s own Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6), pointing out that the People’s Initiative is now “dead in the water” following the Commission on Election’s decision to suspend all its proceedings.

“Pass your version of RBH 6, where there are no political provisions, only economic provisions, and we will be one with the Senate. We will no longer ask for any debates. No questions asked,” said Majority Leader Jose Dalipe.

Outcry grows as pet cat thrown off train dies in harsh cold weather

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Outcry grows as pet cat thrown off train dies in harsh cold weather

MOSCOW. A Russian train conductor is facing widespread condemnation and calls for termination after throwing a pet cat off a train, believing it was a stray. The incident has sparked outrage across the country, with more than 300,000 people signing a petition demanding the conductor’s dismissal.

The white and ginger tom cat, named Twix, escaped from his carrier while on a train journey between Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg on January 11. The conductor, upon finding the cat, forcibly ejected him from the carriage while the train was stopped in the town of Kirov, east of Moscow.

In the aftermath, hundreds of volunteers braved sub-zero temperatures to search for Twix. Tragically, on January 20, over half a mile from the train tracks where he was left, Twix was found dead. Volunteers reported that the cat succumbed to the severe cold and showed signs of suspected animal bites.

The incident gained widespread attention on social media, with thousands expressing their outrage and sharing viral footage of the cat being thrown into the snow in temperatures as low as -22 Fahrenheit (-30 Celsius).

A separate petition, calling for criminal charges against the conductor, has garnered over 100,000 signatures since its publication on January 19. However, local authorities have not announced any plans for prosecuting the conductor, who remains unnamed.

Russian state train operator RZhD released a statement expressing regret over Twix’s death, pledging changes in how employees handle unaccompanied animals. The company stated on social media, “We sincerely regret the death of Twix the cat and apologize to his owners. To ensure similar incidents will not happen in the future, amendments are already being made to the documents used to transport pets on long-distance trains. Conductors will be prohibited from disembarking animals from carriages; instead, animals will be handed to station workers who can contact animal welfare groups.”

The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the treatment of animals and the responsibility of transportation authorities to ensure the well-being of pets during journeys. The public continues to push for accountability and justice for Twix, demanding consequences for the conductor involved.

Elon Musk announces Neuralink’s successful implantation of wireless brain chip

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Elon Musk announces Neuralink’s successful implantation of wireless brain chip

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has claimed his Neuralink company has successfully implanted one of its wireless brain chips in a human. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said “promising” brain activity had been detected after the procedure and the patient was “recovering well”. The company’s goal is to connect human brains to computers to help tackle complex neurological conditions.

Professor Anne Vanhoestenberghe of King’s College London stated, “For any company producing medical devices, the first test in humans is a significant milestone.” She added, “Neuralink has joined a rather small group” of companies that have implanted similar devices in humans. However, she emphasized the need for caution, noting that “true success” could only be evaluated in the long term.

The École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland is among the companies that have made similar advances in the field, enabling a paralyzed man to walk by using electronic implants on his brain and spine. There has been no independent verification of Musk’s claims, and Neuralink has not provided details about the procedure.

Neuralink has faced criticism in the past for testing that reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,500 animals. The head of the US Department of Agriculture said in July 2023 that no violations of animal research rules were found, but a separate investigation is ongoing. The FDA granted Neuralink permission to test the brain chip on humans in May 2023.

The six-year study involves surgically placing 64 flexible threads, thinner than a human hair, onto a part of the brain that controls “movement intention.” Neuralink claims these threads allow the experimental implant to record and transmit brain signals wirelessly.

Musk revealed in a post that Neuralink’s first product, called Telepathy, would enable “control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking.” He suggested that initial users would be those who have lost the use of their limbs, envisioning a scenario where individuals with conditions like Stephen Hawking’s motor neurone disease could communicate faster.

While Musk’s involvement raises the profile of Neuralink, other companies with decades-long track records, such as Blackrock Neurotech and Precision Neuroscience, are also working on brain-computer interfaces. Existing devices have shown promising results in monitoring brain activity and decoding it to help individuals communicate.

AFP loyalty check, hindi kailangan sa hidwaang Marcos-Duterte

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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AFP loyalty check, hindi kailangan sa hidwaang Marcos-Duterte

Naniniwala ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na hindi kailangan ang “loyalty check” sa hanay ng mga sundalo sa gitna ng namumuong tensiyon sa pagitan ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Ayon kay AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Padilla, wala silang namomonitor na pagkakawatak-watak ng kanilang hanay bunsod ng pagsusulong ng People’s Initiative na tinututulan ng dating Pangulong Duterte. “Ang statement po ng [AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.] is there is not even a need for a loyalty check,” ayon kay Padilla.

Tiniyak ni Padilla na patuloy lamang silang susunod sa Konstitusyon. Idinagdag niya na umapela si Brawner sa mga sundalo na huwag makisangkot sa isyu at maging “non-partisan and professional.”

Hinikayat ni Brawner nitong Lunes ang militar na suportahan ang Bagong Pilipinas policy ng Marcos administration, at sinabing “the AFP shall be at its vanguard.”

Israeli undercover forces raid West Bank hospital, killing 3 militants

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israeli undercover forces raid West Bank hospital, killing 3 militants

JENIN, West Bank. Israeli undercover forces disguised as civilian women and medical workers stormed Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin, West Bank, on Tuesday, resulting in the death of three Palestinian militants. The incident highlighted the spillover of violence from the recent conflict in Gaza into the West Bank.

The Palestinian Health Ministry condemned the raid, stating that Israeli forces opened fire inside the hospital wards. A hospital spokesperson suggested it was a targeted killing, emphasizing that there was no exchange of fire. The ministry called on the international community to pressure Israel to cease such operations in hospitals.

The Israeli military claimed that the militants were using the hospital as a hideout and accused one of the targeted individuals of transferring weapons and ammunition for a planned attack. However, evidence supporting these allegations was not provided.

Footage circulating on social media, claimed to be security camera video from the hospital, showed undercover forces, most of them armed, dressed as women with Muslim headscarves or posing as hospital staff. The authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified, but it aligns with witness accounts.

While the hospital raid unfolded, violence persisted in the Gaza Strip. Ceasefire talks continued amid the ongoing conflict that erupted when Hamas-led militants entered Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250 others.

In response, Israel launched a comprehensive offensive, resulting in more than 26,700 casualties in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The conflict has caused widespread destruction, displacing 85% of Gaza’s population and pushing a quarter of residents to the brink of starvation.

A looming humanitarian crisis may exacerbate the situation, as the United Nations warned of potential consequences after several countries froze funding to the main aid provider for Palestinians in Gaza. This decision followed Israeli claims that a dozen aid workers participated in the Oct. 7 assault that triggered the conflict.

The international community is closely watching the evolving situation, urging restraint and seeking a resolution to the escalating tensions in the region.

DA distributes P5-K cash aid to Quezon farmers

Venus L Peñaflor
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DA distributes P5-K cash aid to Quezon farmers

LIPA CITY, Batangas. The Department of Agriculture in Calabarzon (DA 4-A) has stepped up its distribution of financial assistance to small farmers in Quezon province under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) program.

In an interview on Monday, engineer Jana Baja, Regional Rice Program focal person, said that on Jan. 18 alone, the DA 4-A distributed PHP7.2 million in cash aid to 1,444 farmers in the towns of Lucban, Tayabas City, Pagbilao, Mauban, and Sampaloc.

The qualified beneficiaries were allocated PHP5,000 each through the enhanced “Interventions Monitoring Card”, she said.

“We salute the farmers of Calabarzon because without them, we would not have food for our family, community, and the whole country… We may still be far from what we hope to be rice sufficiency, but we hope that you will continue to support all the programs provided,” Baja told the Philippine News Agency.

He said a similar distribution caravan was also held in General Nakar on Jan. 25, where 1,132 qualified farmers benefitted from the program, but she did not disclose the total amount distributed to the beneficiaries there.

Basa said the farmer-beneficiaries are listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and are cultivating not more than two hectares of rice fields in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 11203 or the “Rice Tariffication Law”.

“Financial aid will continue to be given to our farmers who will go to work from the endorsed qualified farmers and in the second week of February, there will be another Caravan distribution in POGI island, District 1 and approximately 1,000 farmers will be given financial aid again,” she added.

POGI refers to the Polillo Group of Islands that includes the towns of Polillo, Panukulan, Burdeos, and Jomalig.

Basa shared that rice production in the province dropped by 17,086.96 metric tons last year, citing pest damage as one of the major reasons. However, more rice is expected to be planted in preparation for the summer season.

The insufficient submission of monthly reports on planting and harvesting of products from the towns of Calauag, Perez, Quezon, and San Francisco is also a factor in the drop in production, she said.

Basa said the regular agricultural inputs given from the rice program such as fertilizer discount vouchers, free seeds, soil ameliorants, and Bio N fertilizers are also being distributed to struggling farmers aside from the financial assistance.

She underscored the accreditation of additional four farmer associations under the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) program which has increased the yield of production of local land cultivators.

Meanwhile, Basa urged farmers to get in touch with their respective Municipal Agriculturist Offices (MAOs) to avail of free and high-quality seeds as well as new farming technologies.

Itinigil ng Comelec ang pagtanggap ng pirma sa People’s Initiative

Venus L Peñaflor
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Itinigil ng Comelec ang pagtanggap ng pirma sa People’s Initiative

MAYNILA. Itinigil ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang lahat ng gawain, kabilang ang pagtanggap ng mga “signature forms” kaugnay sa People’s Initiative (PI) para sa isinusulong na charter change (Cha-cha).

Sa isang press conference kahapon sa Palacio del Gobernador sa Intramuros, inihayag ni Comelec Chairman George Garcia ang “indefinite” na suspensyon ng aktibidad. “Kailangan po ito para maiwasan ang problema, kaguluhan, at hindi pagkakaunawaan doon sa interpretasyon ng probisyon ng ating mga rules,” ayon kay Garcia.

Sa kasalukuyan, tumanggap na ang Comelec ng signature forms mula sa 1,072 munisipalidad at siyudad sa buong bansa. Unang sinabi ng Comelec na ang kanilang pagtanggap ay hindi pa ang pormal na proseso ng PI, ngunit batay lamang sa kanilang administerial roles na naaayon naman sa kanilang panuntunan.

Ang suspensyon sa pagtanggap ng mga lagda ay sumunod sa pahayag ni dating Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio na labag sa Konstitusyon ang kasalukuyang isinusulong na PI.

Israel accuses UNRWA workers linked to Hamas attack, freezes funds

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel accuses UNRWA workers linked to Hamas attack, freezes funds

An Israeli document obtained on Monday has detailed allegations against twelve UN employees, claiming their involvement in Hamas’ October 7 assault. The document asserts that seven of them crossed into Israeli territory, with two allegedly participating in kidnappings during the attack.

These accusations against UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) workers have led Western countries to freeze funds crucial for the organization. UNRWA, a lifeline for desperate Palestinians in Gaza, saw nine of the accused employees terminated, with the UN condemning the “abhorrent alleged acts” of its staff members.

Tensions between Israel and UNRWA have persisted over the years, particularly regarding the agency’s work in Gaza, where it employs around 13,000 people. Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, major donors, including the US and Britain, have cut funding. On Monday, Japan and Austria joined in suspending assistance.

With a significant portion of its budget in jeopardy, UNRWA warns that it may have to halt operations within weeks if funding isn’t restored.

In the midst of these developments, cease-fire talks were held on Sunday, characterized by Israel as constructive, though “significant gaps” remain in reaching a potential agreement. These talks aim to provide relief to war-torn Gaza and secure the release of over 100 hostages still held in the territory.

Fighting continues, complicating aid efforts to the war-weary population in Gaza. Israel issued an evacuation order to residents in the western part of Gaza City, signaling ongoing battles in the northern Gaza area, which Israel had previously claimed to have military control over.

The conflict began with Hamas’ October 7 attack, resulting in 1,200 casualties, mainly civilians, and approximately 250 people taken captive, according to Israeli authorities.

The Israeli document, shared with US officials and obtained by The Associated Press, lists 12 individuals, their roles in the attack, job descriptions, and photos. The document alleges that at least 190 UNRWA workers were Hamas or Islamic Jihad operatives, without providing evidence.

Of the accused workers, nine were teachers, one a social worker, and seven were accused of crossing into Israel on October 7. Two of them were alleged to have kidnapped or assisted in abductions, and another two were said to have participated in raids on communal farming villages.

The accusations include arming oneself with an anti-tank missile, taking photos of a female hostage, participating in terror activities, and coordinating the movement of trucks or weapons used in the attack. Ten workers were listed as having ties to Hamas, and one to the Islamic Jihad militant group.

The names and photos of the accused workers could not immediately be verified. Two of the 12 have reportedly been killed, while one is still being identified, according to previous UN statements.

These allegations have intensified longstanding tensions between Israel and UNRWA, with Israel accusing Hamas of using the agency’s facilities for storing weapons or launching attacks. UNRWA contends that it does not knowingly tolerate such behavior and has internal safeguards to prevent abuses and discipline any wrongdoing.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s commissioner, has announced an external review of the agency’s operations and safeguards in response to the allegations.

Israel has long criticized UNRWA, accusing it of perpetuating the Palestinian refugee crisis. UNRWA argues that it addresses the significant needs of millions of Palestinians across the Middle East, exacerbated by the latest conflict.

The UN emphasizes that the entire agency should not be penalized for the actions of the dozen workers, asserting that they will be held accountable if the allegations are true. Calls have been made for donors to resume funding.

The United States, the largest donor to the agency, cut funding over the weekend, followed by several other countries, accounting for over 60% of UNRWA’s budget in 2022.

UNRWA provides essential services for Palestinian families who fled or were displaced during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation. The refugees and their descendants constitute the majority of Gaza’s population.

Amid the ongoing conflict, most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people depend on UNRWA’s programs for survival, including food and shelter. A quarter of Gaza’s population is facing starvation due to fighting and Israeli restrictions hindering aid delivery, well below the daily average of 500 trucks before the war.

Communications Director Juliette Touma warned that the agency may be forced to cease its support in Gaza by the end of February.

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