Wednesday, June 17, 2026


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 478

UNESCO at ang kaligtasan ng mga mamamahayag

DC Alviar
-
0
UNESCO at ang kaligtasan ng mga mamamahayag

Bilang pakikiisa sa United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sa pagpapataas ng kamalayan para sa kaligtasan ng mga mamamahayag, inilalaan ng pitak na ito ang espasyo para sa mga mahahalagang pahayag (kumpleto sa unesco.org) ng ahensya kamakailan, kabilang ang pagbibigay-pugay sa mga yumao at kasalukuyang gumaganap sa kani-kanilang tungkulin. Sa taong ito, ang pangunahing paggunita ng International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists ay sa Nobyembre 2 at 3. Tututukan nito ang “karahasan laban sa mga mamamahayag, ang integridad ng halalan, at ang papel ng pampublikong pamumuno.”

Ayon sa UNESCO, ang terminong mamamahayag sa mga mekanismo ng pagsubaybay at pag-uulat ng organisasyon ay sumasaklaw sa “mga mamamahayag, manggagawa sa media at mga prodyuser sa social media na nakikibahagi sa aktibidad ng pamamahayag.” Sa isang konseho nila pinagtibay ang katawagan noong mga taong 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 at 2022.

Saad ng organisasyon sa kanilang website: “Ang mga kaso ng pagpatay ay natukoy batay sa mga ulat mula sa maraming pinagmumulan, kabilang ang mula sa internasyonal, rehiyonal at lokal na mga grupo ng pagsubaybay; mga tanggapan sa larangan ng UNESCO; mga Permanenteng Delegasyon ng UNESCO; at iba pang mga katawan ng UN.”

Tungkol sa balakin ng UN, heto ang kanilang masasabi: “Naglalayong lumikha ng isang libre at ligtas na kapaligiran para sa mga mamamahayag at manggagawa sa media, sa gayon ay nagpapalakas ng kapayapaan, demokrasya at napananatiling pag-unlad sa buong mundo, ang UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity ay tumutugon sa mga pangunahing aspeto ng pag-iwas, proteksyon, at pag-uusig.

“Ang Plano ay nananawagan para sa isang nakabatay sa koalisyon at holistic approach sa pagpapatupad nito. Kabilang dito ang anim na aspeto: pagtaas ng kamalayan; pamantayang pagtatakda at paggawa ng patakaran; pagsubaybay at pag-uulat; pagbuo ng kapasidad at pananaliksik.

“Ayon sa UN Plan of Action, nakikipagtulungan kami sa mga gobyerno, media house, propesyonal na asosasyon, NGO at iba pang stakeholder para sa #EndImpunity.”

Dagdag-paliwanag ng UNESCO: “Ang pagwawakas ng impunity para sa mga krimen laban sa mga mamamahayag ay isa sa pinakamahalaga at masalimuot na hamon sa kamakailang panahon. Ito ay isang mahalagang paunang kondisyon upang magarantiya ang kalayaan sa pagpapahayag at pag-access sa impormasyon para sa lahat ng mga mamamayan.

“Ang pagdiriwang ng 2023 ay naglalayong itaas ang kamalayan sa mga pangunahing hamon na kinakaharap ng mga mamamahayag at tagapagbalita sa pagsasagawa ng kanilang propesyon, at upang bigyan ng babala ang paglala ng karahasan at panunupil laban sa kanila. Kabilang dito ang mga pag-atake at paghihigpit sa pamamahayag sa konteksto ng coverage ng mga panlipunang protesta; ang paggamit ng judicial mechanisms laban sa mga mamamahayag para sa mga kadahilanang nauugnay sa kanilang gawaing pamamahayag sa mga usapin ng pampublikong interes; at ang pagdami ng sapilitang pagpapatapon ng mga mamamahayag sa ilang bansa.

“Ang tema ng taong ito ay naglalayon ding bigyan ng visibility ang papel ng isang ligtas at malayang pamamahayag sa pagtiyak ng integridad ng mga halalan at ng ating mga demokratikong sistema. Pinagtitibay nito ang obligasyon ng mga Estado na magsagawa ng mga epektibong hakbang upang protektahan ang independiyenteng pamamahayag at palakasin ang mga balangkas ng mga institusyong lumalaban sa karahasan at kawalan ng parusa, at nagtataguyod ng kalayaan, pagpapanatili at pagkakaiba-iba ng media.”

Ipinahayag din ng UNESCO: “Bagama’t ang mga pagpatay ay ang pinakamatinding anyo ng media censorship, ang mga mamamahayag ay napapailalim din sa hindi mabilang na mga banta – mula sa kidnapping, torture at iba pang pisikal na pag-atake hanggang sa panliligalig, partikular sa digital sphere. Ang mga banta ng karahasan at pag-atake laban sa mga mamamahayag, sa partikular, ay lumikha ng isang klima ng takot sa media professionals na humahadlang sa libreng sirkulasyon ng impormasyon, opinyon at ideya para sa lahat ng mga mamamayan. Ang mga babaeng mamamahayag ay partikular na naapektuhan ng mga pagbabanta at pag-atake, lalo na ng mga online na gawain. Ayon sa papel ng talakayan ng UNESCO, The Chilling: Global trends sa online na karahasan laban sa mga babaeng mamamahayag, 73 porsiyento ng mga babaeng mamamahayag na na-survey ang nagsabing sila ay pinagbantaan, tinakot at ininsulto online kaugnay ng kanilang trabaho.

“Sa maraming kaso, ang mga banta ng karahasan at pag-atake laban sa mga mamamahayag ay hindi maayos na iniimbestigahan. Ang impunity na ito ay nagpapalakas ng loob sa mga gumagawa ng mga krimen at kasabay nito ay may chilling effect sa lipunan at sa mga mamamahayag mismo. Nababahala ang UNESCO na ang impunity ay nakapipinsala sa buong lipunan sa pamamagitan ng pagtatakip sa mga seryosong pang-aabuso sa karapatang pantao, katiwalian, at krimen. Basahin at ibahagi ang mga kwento ng mga pinatay na mamamahayag #TruthNeverDies.

Sa kabilang banda, ang mga sistema ng katarungan na masiglang nag-iimbestiga sa lahat ng banta ng karahasan laban sa mga mamamahayag ay nagpapadala ng isang makapangyarihang mensahe na hindi kukunsintihin ng lipunan ang mga pag-atake laban sa mga mamamahayag at laban sa karapatan sa kalayaan sa pagpapahayag para sa lahat.”

Ang sa akin lang, magpahayag tayo ng sarili nating mariing pagkabahala sa mga nangyayari at isa pa, maging matalino tayo sa dynamics ng pagpapasiklab ng maling impormasyon at mga pekeng balita. Kayang gumawa ng paraan ang kalaban para mapaghati-hati ang media: pinalalakas ang ugnayan, ngunit pinahihina ang atensyon sa detalye at katumpakan.

DFA: Hindi kailangan ang permit upang mangisda sa sariling teritoryo

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
DFA: Hindi kailangan ang permit upang mangisda sa sariling teritoryo

Iginiit ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) sa kanilang pahayag ngayong Huwebes na hindi kinakailangan ng Pilipinas na humingi ng pahintulot mula sa ibang bansa para sa kanilang mga operasyon sa kanilang territorial sea.

Ang naturang pahayag ay tugon sa pagbatikos ng Chinese military hinggil sa pagdaan at operasyon ng Philippine Navy vessel na BRP Conrado Yap sa loob ng Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ng Pilipinas noong Oktubre 30.

Sa pahayag ng DFA, kinilala nila ang pag-patrolya ng Pilipinas sa mga karagatan sa paligid ng Bajo de Masinloc bilang isang lehitimong at karaniwang gawain ng isang soberanyang bansa sa kanilang teritoryo at territorial sea, at ito ay bahagi ng administratibong responsibilidad ng Pilipinas.

Ayon pa sa DFA, hindi kailangang humingi ng pahintulot ang Pilipinas bilang isang soberanyang estado mula sa ibang bansa kapag sila ay naglalakbay sa kanilang sariling teritoryo.

Ang Tsina ay bantog na sa pagiging madalas sanhi ng mga insidente sa West Philippine Sea, kabilang ang mga pagbangga sa mga barko ng Pilipinas at ang paggamit ng water cannon laban sa mga mangingisdang Pilipino.

Dalawang linggo na ang nakalilipas, hinarang at binangga ng Chinese Coast Guard ang isang barkong kinontrata ng AFP para sa isang resupply mission sa BRP Sierra Madre.

Sa pagtukoy sa mga prinsipyong nasa ilalim ng international law, hinimok ng DFA ang Beijing na bawiin ang mga sasakyang pandagat nito sa West Philippine Sea.

Matatandaan na sa kabila ng 2016 arbitral ruling na pumapabor sa Pilipinas, hindi kinikilala ng China ang soberanya ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea at sa EEZ nito.

Revolutionary Mia hand: World’s first AI-enhanced bionic hand

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Revolutionary Mia hand: World’s first AI-enhanced bionic hand

Imagine losing a hand in an accident and facing life with a limited, clumsy prosthetic limb. This is a reality for millions worldwide dealing with amputations or congenital limb deficiencies. However, a groundbreaking solution is on the horizon, offering the promise of natural sensation and adaptability through the Mia Hand, developed by Italian robotic prosthetics company Prensilia.

The Mia Hand is no ordinary prosthetic; it’s a smart device that can sense its environment and adapt its grip for various tasks, covering 80% of daily movements with five different types of grasps. It leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret the user’s brain signals, translating them into prosthesis movements and even providing sensations like touch and pressure.

Designed for comfort and ease of use, the Mia Hand fits snugly on the patient’s arm, comes in various colors and skins, and features wireless charging. Its cornerstone technology, the Human-Machine Interface (HMI), is a titanium implant inserted into the arm bone, facilitating bidirectional communication between the brain and the prosthesis.

Sensors in the Mia Hand’s fingertips measure force and contact area during object manipulation, sending feedback signals to the HMI, which then stimulates the patient’s nerves, creating a sensation of touch.

One of the remarkable benefits of the Mia Hand is its ability to reduce phantom pain, a chronic condition affecting many amputees. By providing natural sensory feedback, the Mia Hand overrides abnormal signals, alleviating this condition and offering a sense of control over the prosthesis.

Karin, a 45-year-old farmer from Sweden, has been using the Mia Hand for three years. She lost her left hand in an accident at 25 and had been dissatisfied with a conventional prosthetic. With the Mia Hand, she feels like she has her hand back, regaining the ability to perform various daily tasks and experiencing the temperature and texture of objects.

Although still in the development and testing phase, the Mia Hand has shown promise in clinical trials, and Prensilia aims to make it commercially available by 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mia Hand, a groundbreaking AI-enhanced bionic hand, offers natural sensation and adaptability.
  • It uses AI to interpret brain signals, translating them into prosthesis movements and providing sensations like touch and pressure.
  • The Mia Hand features a comfortable and user-friendly design with wireless charging.
  • Its core technology, the Human-Machine Interface (HMI), enables bidirectional communication between the brain and the device.
  • The Mia Hand helps reduce phantom pain, providing natural sensory feedback and enhancing patient control.
  • Clinical trials have shown promising results, and it’s expected to be available commercially by 2025.

Prime minister ng Japan magsasalita sa kongreso

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Prime minister ng Japan magsasalita sa kongreso

MAYNILA. Nakatakdang magbigay mensahe sa isang joint session ng Philippine Congress ang prime minister ng Japan na si Fumio Kishida sa isang opisyal na pagbisita sa bansa ngayong linggo.

Magsisimula ang dalawang araw na pagbisita ni Kishida sa Biyernes, Nobyembre 3, kung kailan ay nakatakda ang bilateral na pulong kasama si Pangulo Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa Malacañan Palace.

Kasunod nito, maghahatid din siya ng talumpati sa mga mambabatas ng Pilipinas sa Batasan Complex sa Lungsod ng Quezon, sa Sabado, 11:00 ng umaga, ayon kay Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Ayon sa mga ulat, inaasahan na si Kishida, ang unang prime minister ng Japan na magbibigay ng address sa Philippine Congress, ay magbabalita ukol sa diplomasya ng kanyang bansa sa susunod na henerasyon ng mga bansa sa Southeast Asia.

Sa isang pahayag noong Miyerkules, sinabi ni Zubiri na personal niyang inimbita si Kishida na magsalita sa Philippine Congress noong magpasyal siya sa Tokyo noong Abril. Siya ay kasama sa delegasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa kabisera ng Japan noong Pebrero.

Ayon sa pahayag, si Zubiri ang nakaisip ng ideya sa posibilidad ng Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) sa Japan, isang pinaigting na kasunduang pangkaligtasan.

Nauna dito, iniulat Kyodo News na sa pagdalaw ni Kishida sa Maynila, inaasahan na magpapatibay sila ni Marcos ng mga negosasyon hinggil sa “reciprocal access agreement,” na magpapadali sa pagkakaroon ng visiting forces.

Sinabi naman ni Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. noong nakaraang buwan na ang RAA sa Japan ay kasalukuyang nirereview ng Department of Foreign Affairs, at inaasahan na ang kasunduang ito ay maisasagawa sa loob ng taon.

Sinabi niya na ang RAA, na kinakailangang aprubahan ng Senado bilang isang treaty, ay magbibigay daan para sa pagpapadala ng mga tropa sa teritoryo ng isa’t isa para sa pagsasanay at iba pang mga operasyon.

Samantala, idinagdag ni Zubiri na inaasahan niya na ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno ay magbibigay ulat kay Kishida tungkol sa pag-unlad ng mga malalaking proyektong imprastruktura na sinusuportahan ng Japan, lalo na ang Manila subway.

Sinabi niya na ang huling pagkakataon na nagtipon ang Senado at ang House of Representatives para sa isang talumpati ng isang lider ng ibang bansa ay noong Pebrero 2006 sa pagdalaw ng dating Pangulo ng India na si Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft begins encounter with asteroids on journey to Jupiter

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
NASA’s Lucy spacecraft begins encounter with asteroids on journey to Jupiter

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. On Wednesday, NASA’s Lucy spacecraft reached a significant milestone as it encountered the first of 10 asteroids on its extensive voyage to Jupiter. The spacecraft, traveling at a speed of 10,000 mph (16,000 kph), swiftly passed by the diminutive Dinkinesh, situated about 300 million miles (480 million kilometers) away in the asteroid belt beyond Mars.

NASA described the encounter as “a quick hello” and a dry run for testing Lucy’s instruments before it approaches more substantial and captivating asteroids. Dinkinesh, measuring only half a mile (1 kilometer) across, is likely the smallest space rock on Lucy’s celestial itinerary.

Lucy’s primary targets are the “Trojans,” swarms of unexplored asteroids near Jupiter that are considered to be time capsules from the early solar system. The spacecraft is set to pass by eight Trojans, believed to be 10 to 100 times larger than Dinkinesh, and complete its journey by flying past the final two asteroids in 2033.

Launched by NASA two years ago on an approximately $1 billion mission, Lucy is named after the 3.2 million-year-old skeletal remains of a human ancestor found in Ethiopia in the 1970s. The next asteroid in Lucy’s itinerary is named after one of the fossil Lucy’s discoverers: Donald Johanson.

Despite a loose solar wing on the spacecraft, flight controllers believe it to be stable enough for the mission and have stopped efforts to secure it. Wednesday’s flyby marks the culmination of what NASA has dubbed “Asteroid Autumn,” following the return of the first samples from an asteroid in September and the October launch of a spacecraft toward the metal-rich asteroid Psyche.

Unlike these previous missions, Lucy will not make stops at asteroids or collect samples. It will take at least a week for the spacecraft to transmit all the images and data obtained during the flyby.

“Dinkinesh has been nothing more than ‘an unresolved smudge in the best telescopes’ until now,” stated Hal Levison, the lead scientist at the Southwest Research Institute.

Putin’s potential successors in Russian presidential race

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Putin’s potential successors in Russian presidential race

TALLINN, Estonia. Vladimir Putin, once known for public stunts showcasing his strength, faces an uncertain political future as Russia prepares for its presidential elections next March. At 71, the Russian President remains the subject of speculation due to his age, prompting questions about potential successors.

Putin has made constitutional changes allowing him to run for two additional six-year terms, but if he were not to run, it’s unclear who would replace him. Russia’s political system lacks primary elections, as political parties select their candidates without voter input.

Possible contenders if Putin does not participate in the election include:

  • Dmitry Medvedev: Having served as a Putin surrogate, Medvedev took over the presidency in 2008 due to term limits. Despite this, he was perceived as secondary to Putin and served as prime minister until 2020. He has recently gained prominence by vigorously defending Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
  • Alexei Dyumin: As the governor of the Tula region and a close associate of Putin, Dyumin’s dramatic claim of saving Putin from a bear adds to his aura. His role in Russia’s annexation of Crimea also bolsters his image.
  • Sergei Sobyanin: As the mayor of Moscow since 2010, Sobyanin has transformed the city with visible improvements, though he has faced criticism for banning LGBTQ+ parades.
  • Mikhail Mishustin: Russia’s prime minister since 2020, Mishustin has quietly led but may become acting president if Putin is unable to fulfill his duties.
  • Nikolai Patrushev: A staunch Putin ally with striking parallels, Patrushev has consistently supported Putin’s hawkish views and hostility toward the West, making him a potential successor.

The future of Russian politics remains uncertain, and the absence of a clear frontrunner raises questions about who could lead the country after Putin’s reign.

AP contributed to this report.

Dalawang Pinoy na doktor, makakalabas na mula sa Gaza

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Dalawang Pinoy na doktor, makakalabas na mula sa Gaza

RAFAH, Gaza Strip. Binuksan ng Egypt ang kanilang border para sa mga dayuhang may foreign passport na nagnanais lumikas mula sa Gaza. Kasama sa mga papayagang makatawid ang mga sugatan at mga nasa kritikal na kalagayan dahil sa patuloy na giyera sa pagitan ng Israel at ng grupo ng Hamas.

Kasama sa mga makakatawid ang ilang dayuhang kasapi ng International Humanitarian Groups, kabilang dito ang dalawang Pilipinong doktor na miyembro ng Doctors Without Borders na sina Dr. Darwin Dela Cruz at Dr. Regidor Esguerra.

Ayon sa Department of Foreign Affairs, sila ay kasalukuyang nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad ng Egypt at Israel upang ilikas na rin ang mahigit sa 100,000 Pilipinong na-stranded sa Gaza.

Israeli forces advance as Palestinian death toll rises in Gaza

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Israeli forces advance as Palestinian death toll rises in Gaza

RAFAH, Gaza Strip. Israeli troops made their way towards Gaza City on Thursday as the Palestinian death toll exceeded 9,000. With no immediate end to the weeks of intense conflict in sight, U.S. and Arab mediators escalated their efforts to alleviate the siege on the Hamas-controlled enclave, calling for a temporary ceasefire to aid civilians.

U.S. President Joe Biden proposed a humanitarian “pause” a day earlier, following an apparent agreement among the U.S., Egypt, Israel, and Qatar, which mediates with Hamas. This allowed hundreds of Palestinians with foreign passports and dozens of wounded individuals to leave Gaza for the first time, with more departing on Thursday.

Israel had not responded immediately to Biden’s proposal, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously ruled out a ceasefire. Arab nations, including those allied with the U.S. and Israel, expressed growing unease with the conflict. Jordan recalled its ambassador from Israel and insisted that Israel’s envoy stay out of the country until the war and the resulting “humanitarian catastrophe” come to a halt.

During the 25 days of fighting, over 3,700 Palestinian children lost their lives, and more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents were displaced from their homes, with shortages of food, water, and fuel. Israeli forces increased their presence in Gaza after weeks of extensive airstrikes, which had devastated entire neighborhoods.

The conflict, the fifth and deadliest in Gaza’s history, began when Hamas launched a violent attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in numerous casualties and captives. The U.S. has reaffirmed its support for Israel as it seeks to end Hamas’ rule in Gaza and dismantle its military capabilities, despite lacking a clear plan for what comes next.

A temporary ceasefire could facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and hostage releases, according to White House officials. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to return to the region on Friday.

The departure of Palestinians through the Rafah crossing into Egypt followed weeks of negotiations, marking the first time that people left Gaza, apart from a few hostages released by Hamas and one rescued by Israeli forces. Although Israel permitted more than 260 trucks carrying food and medicine through the crossing, aid organizations deemed it insufficient.

Over 400 Americans and their families are being evacuated by the U.S. Egypt expressed concerns about an influx of Palestinian refugees, fearing that Israel might prevent their return after the war.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians remain in the conflict zone in northern Gaza, despite Israel’s repeated calls for them to evacuate to the southern region, which is also under bombardment.

Israeli troops seem to be advancing on Gaza City through three main routes, with little detailed information on their movements. Airstrikes have destroyed buildings, but the full extent of casualties remains unclear. Palestinian militants have continued to engage Israeli troops, while both sides anticipate rising casualties as Israeli forces move closer to Gaza City.

The death toll on the Palestinian side has reached over 9,000, with a significant number being women and children, while more than 32,000 people have been wounded. In the occupied West Bank, four Palestinians were killed early Thursday, adding to the over 130 killed in the region since the conflict began. An Israeli civilian also died from a suspected militant attack in the West Bank on Thursday.

On the Israeli side, over 1,400 people have lost their lives, primarily due to Hamas’ initial attack. Rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and ongoing clashes with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon have disrupted life for millions of Israelis.

Gaza residents face a dire situation with a territory-wide blackout, posing a threat to critical medical treatments. The World Health Organization has raised concerns about the lack of fuel for hospitals, and several healthcare facilities have been forced to close. The situation remains critical, with urgent appeals for fuel and electricity to sustain essential medical services.

Six Philippine Coast Guard officers graduate with honors from World Maritime University in Sweden

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Six Philippine Coast Guard officers graduate with honors from World Maritime University in Sweden

MALMÖ, Sweden. In a momentous occasion on October 28, 2023, six distinguished officers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) proudly received their Master of Science in Maritime Affairs degrees from the prestigious World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden.

The officers, Commander Jethro Padama, Commander Marife Duatin, Commander Anthony Cuevas, Commander Orly Wong, Commander Lyn Alquizar, and Commander Elgene Gregorio, spent over a year diligently pursuing their studies, covering essential maritime policies, laws, and regulations.

The six officers embarked on their academic journey at WMU on September 22, 2022, and successfully completed their rigorous program on October 28, 2023. Their dedication and unwavering commitment to the field of maritime affairs were evident in their exceptional performance throughout the course.

During the graduation ceremony, Commander Anthony Cuevas received a prestigious accolade, “The Schluter Foundation Dissertation Prize 2023.” His dissertation, centered on the critical subject of shipping and marine environmental protection, showcased a deep understanding of the challenges and solutions to preserving the world’s oceans.

Furthermore, Commander Jethro Padama was recognized with “The Kalmar Prizes 2023” in honor of his exemplary performance as one of the role model students during the course. This award is a testament to his dedication and leadership in the field of maritime affairs.

The graduation ceremony was graced by distinguished figures in the international maritime community. International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General Kitack Lim and WMU President Max Mejia presided over the event, emphasizing the importance of this achievement in the global maritime landscape. Their presence underscored the strong international collaboration and support for maritime education and development.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, Ambassador of the Philippines to Sweden, Maria Lumen Isleta, Consul General Gines Jaime Ricardo Gallaga, Deputy Consul General Rogelio Villanueva, and IMO Maritime Attaché Atty. Jean Ver Pia were also in attendance. Their presence symbolized the deep ties between the Philippines and the international maritime community, highlighting the significance of the occasion.

The graduation of these six exceptional Philippine Coast Guard Commanders from the World Maritime University marks a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s maritime expertise and influence on the global stage. Their achievements are a source of pride for the Philippines and serve as an inspiration for aspiring maritime professionals worldwide.

Empowering communities towards zero poverty

Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
-
0
Empowering communities towards zero poverty

2nd of three parts

Helping the poor to cultivate their potential is an exemplary endeavor but it is not the sole obligation of a particular government entity. There must be a concerted effort among state agencies working in partnership with private institutions. Working in harmony with each other is one of the primary keys to achieve the desired goal – that of seeing a transformed citizenry, free from the fangs of extreme poverty. 

This is not an easy task. It requires a lot of time, dedication, manpower and resources. Sadly, in some instances the giving of financial assistance to the poor has paved the way to corruption, nepotism and favoritism. There were reports in the past that the financial aids (“ayuda”) from the government have been profoundly politicized by some local government officials mostly in the Barangay level. Instead of giving the aid to deserving residents, they are giving it to their relatives, friends and political allies to the prejudice of the poor. This practice should not be tolerated yet it has become part of the system. 

“Ayuda” alone whether coming from the public or private sector is not the answer to the growing poverty in this country. The people at large need to be properly educated financially and this can be done through training and seminar-workshops. But how many among the poor are willing to undergo training when most of them are preoccupied thinking where they would get the next meal or the money to pay for the bills? It would take a great phenomenon to convince them! Life is not fair. That’s a given and we ought to accept it, but there is one common denominator available to all – hard work. 

There’s a saying that “poverty is not a hindrance to success” and success is achievable with the assistance of other people or institutions who are tasked to work in harmony with each other towards one shared dream – that of eradicating poverty in a particular community or the country as a whole. 

Government workers can avail of a variety of loans from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) while those connected with private companies and the self-employed can acquire loans from the Social Security System (SSS). 

What about those who can barely read and write? Those residing in the mountain ridges and riverbanks? Most of them don’t even have IDs or Community Tax Certificates (Cedula). They are the socially and economically challenged people who actually need financial, educational, health and other life-changing services. 

This is probably one of the many reasons why the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) was established purposely to train and help those in the depressed areas to overcome difficulties that come their way. Kudos to the people behind its creation!

1...477478479...838Page 478 of 838




Tutubi Digital News will shape up the way you stay up to date with the goings-on around Calabarzon, and the world. Tutubi is committed to keep you socially active. Tutubi updates on the Go!


Contact us:

info@tutubi.ph

Popular Posts

Popular category

PH News3598World News3513Asia1567Curiosity1071War Reports and Updates673

Developed by Tutubi News Magazine |Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Cookie Policy | All rights reserved