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

Venus L Peñaflor
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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
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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!

Second pig heart transplant recipient in Maryland passes away, raising questions about experimental procedure

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Second pig heart transplant recipient in Maryland passes away, raising questions about experimental procedure

WASHINGTON. A Maryland man, who became the second person to receive a pig heart transplant, has sadly passed away nearly six weeks after the groundbreaking surgery, as confirmed by his medical team in Maryland.

Lawrence Faucette, aged 58, was suffering from heart failure and was deemed ineligible for a traditional heart transplant when he received a genetically modified pig heart on September 20. According to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the pig heart initially appeared to function well for the first month, but it began to exhibit signs of rejection in recent days, ultimately leading to Faucette’s passing on Monday.

Ann Faucette, Lawrence’s wife, shared in a hospital statement that her husband knew his time was limited and viewed this experimental procedure as his last chance to make a difference. He exceeded his own expectations by surviving as long as he did.

This was the second attempt at a pig heart transplant by the Maryland team. The first was performed on David Bennett, who survived for two months before the transplanted heart failed due to unclear reasons, though signs of a pig virus were later detected within the organ. Lessons learned from the first experiment, including improved virus testing, informed the second attempt.

Dr. Bartley Griffith, the surgeon who led the transplant at the University of Maryland Medical Center, revealed that Faucette’s final wish was for the medical community to make the most of the knowledge gained from these experiences.

For decades, efforts to conduct animal-to-human organ transplants, known as xenotransplants, have largely failed due to the human immune system’s immediate rejection of foreign tissue. Researchers are now exploring new avenues, genetically modifying pigs to make their organs more similar to human organs.

Faucette, a Navy veteran and father of two from Frederick, Maryland, had been declined for a traditional heart transplant due to additional health issues. He arrived at the Maryland hospital with limited options and a desire to spend more time with his family.

In mid-October, it was reported that Faucette had made progress, even standing with the assistance of physical therapy. He aimed to regain the strength required for walking.

Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin, the head of cardiac xenotransplants, stated that the medical team would conduct a thorough analysis of the pig heart transplant to further their understanding of using pig organs in human patients.

Xenotransplants hold potential to alleviate the severe shortage of human organ donations, with over 100,000 people in the United States awaiting transplants, particularly kidneys, while thousands lose their lives during the wait. Several research teams have experimented with pig organs in monkeys and donated human bodies in hopes of gathering sufficient data for formal xenotransplant studies to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Laguna population office celebrates National Statistics Month

Venus L Peñaflor
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Laguna population office celebrates National Statistics Month

STA. CRUZ, Laguna. In commemoration of the 34th National Statistics Month, the Provincial Population Office-Outreach (PPO-Outreach) recently organized the “Laguna Forum on Statistics” with the theme “Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for a Healthier Philippines.” The event took place at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Conference Hall in the Provincial Capitol Compound.

The forum was well-attended by Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators from various municipalities in Laguna, Population Officers and staff, as well as representatives from DepED Laguna, Provincial Information Office, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Laguna.

Key figures who supported the event included Marinela C. Magcamit, a Supervising Statistical Specialist at the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), who served as the keynote speaker. Marilyn F. Ogaya, MaDem, Regional Director of the Commission on Population and Development, also delivered valuable insights as a resource speaker. Provincial Administrator Dulce H. Rebanal graced the event with her enlightening messages.

With the participation of a diverse group of attendees and speakers, the forum became a significant platform for emphasizing the importance of data and statistics in advancing towards a healthier Philippines.

World leaders gather to address frontier AI risks and regulations

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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World leaders gather to address frontier AI risks and regulations

LONDON. Cutting-edge artificial intelligence, often referred to as frontier AI, has sparked concerns about its potential risks to humanity, raising questions about whether technology and political leaders are taking sufficient steps to safeguard against these emerging threats.

The deployment of advanced AI systems, exemplified by chatbots like ChatGPT, which can craft speeches, plan vacations, and engage in conversations as proficiently as humans, has ignited a debate about the uncharted perils of this technology.

Various stakeholders, from the British government to leading researchers and major AI companies themselves, have sounded the alarm about the unforeseen dangers posed by frontier AI. They are urging the adoption of protective measures to shield people from potential existential threats.

The culmination of this discourse takes place this week during a two-day summit hosted by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, specifically focused on frontier AI. The event is set to convene approximately 100 participants representing 28 countries, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and executives from prominent U.S. AI firms such as OpenAI, Google’s Deepmind, and Anthropic. The historic Bletchley Park estate, synonymous with the birth of modern computing during World War II, serves as the backdrop for this summit.

Prime Minister Sunak, in a recent address, emphasized the unique role of governments in safeguarding people from AI-related risks. However, he cautioned against hasty regulation while highlighting potential threats, such as the utilization of AI for the development of chemical or biological weapons. The event’s primary objective is to reach a consensus on a communique addressing the nature of AI risks, while Sunak also plans to unveil an AI Safety Institute for evaluating and testing advanced AI technology. Inspired by the U.N.’s climate change panel, the proposed global expert panel will aim to create a “State of AI Science” report.

The summit underscores the UK government’s aspiration to demonstrate its leadership and international influence, especially following its departure from the European Union three years ago. In the realm of AI policy, where both the U.S. and the 27-nation EU have been active, the UK aims to stake its claim.

While Brussels is finalizing what could be the world’s first comprehensive AI regulations, U.S. President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order guiding AI development, building upon voluntary commitments made by tech companies. China, a formidable player in AI, has been invited to the summit, although it remains uncertain if representatives from Beijing will attend.

Despite the potential of frontier AI to address human organ transplant shortages, some experts argue that the summit is overly focused on distant threats. Critics contend that the event overlooks the pressing issues associated with AI technologies already in use, such as algorithmic bias and erroneous deployments. More than 100 civil society groups and experts have expressed concerns about the summit’s narrow focus, emphasizing the need to address AI’s broader risks and safety.

Skeptics maintain that the UK government’s summit objectives may not go far enough, suggesting that the involvement of tech companies in regulating AI could lead to insufficient safeguards. Despite these debates, the gathering aims to be a critical step in addressing the challenges and regulation of AI, paving the way for future developments in this transformative field.

Nawawala ang isang pasahero sa dagat matapos mahulog sa barko

Arman B. Cambe
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Nawawala ang isang pasahero sa dagat matapos mahulog sa barko

BATANGAS CITY. Pinaghahanap ngayon ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ang isang lalaking pasahero matapos mahulog mula sa sinasakyang barko habang naglalayag sa karagatan sa gawing Batangas kahapon.

Kilniala ang nawawalang pasahero na si Ralph Bernard Gerona, 26 na tubong Iloilo City.

Sa mga unang ulat ng PCG, naganap ang insidente habang sakay ni Gerona ang MV Maligaya, isang cargo-passenger vessel, na naglalayag malapit sa baybayin ng Calatagan, Batangas, bandang alas-3:50 ng hapon.

Ang MV Maligaya, na pag-aari ng 2GO Shipping Corporation, ay patungo sa Maynila mula sa Bacolod at may kasamang 126 tripulante at 425 na mga pasahero.

Kaagad na ipinaabot ng PCG ang pangyayari sa Vessel Traffic Management Service (VTMS)-Corregidor operator kaugnay ng insidente ng “man overboard.”

Nagsagawa na ang Coast Guard Sub Station Calatagan ng “search and rescue operation” sa pakikipagtulungan ng VTMS Batangas, mga sea marshall ng MV Maligaya, at CGSS Lubang. Nakipagtulungan din sa operasyon ang MV Solid Sun na naroroon.

Gayunpaman, hindi natagpuan ang biktima sa kabila ng mga pagsusumikap ng mga awtoridad hanggang sa dumilim na. Ipinatigil ang operasyon bandang alas-6:20 ng gabi.

Inaasahang muling ipagpapatuloy ang “search and rescue operation” kapag maayos na ang kalagayan ng karagatan.

Foreign passport holders depart Gaza as Rafah crossing reopens for first time since war’s outbreak

Venus L Peñaflor
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Foreign passport holders depart Gaza as Rafah crossing reopens for first time since war’s outbreak

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip. Dozens of foreign passport holders who have been trapped in Gaza are now able to leave the region as the Rafah crossing, leading to Egypt, is open for the first time since the devastating Hamas attack that occurred on October 7.

Until now, despite the passage of urgently needed aid between Egypt and Gaza, people were not permitted to cross. However, the situation is changing as some 400 foreigners and dual nationals are expected to depart Gaza today. Additionally, on the Egyptian side of the border, ambulances are ready to transport approximately 90 sick and wounded individuals who are also being granted the opportunity to leave.

Reports indicate that Egypt is in the process of constructing a field hospital along the border, indicating the seriousness of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The decision to reopen the Rafah crossing was brokered through mediation by Qatar, involving negotiations between Egypt, Israel, the Hamas terror group (which controls Gaza), and the United States. This marks a significant development in efforts to address the crisis in Gaza.

The conflict erupted following Hamas’s October 7 attack, which saw around 2,500 militants crossing into Israel from the Gaza Strip via land, air, and sea. This act resulted in the death of approximately 1,400 people and the capture of 200-250 hostages of various ages. The vast majority of those killed in the border communities were civilians, including infants, children, and the elderly. Entire families were tragically affected, and over 260 individuals lost their lives during an outdoor festival, many of them subjected to horrifying acts of violence by the terrorists.

Israel has asserted that its offensive in Gaza is aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure and has vowed to eliminate the entire terror group that governs the Strip. The operation targets areas where Hamas operates while attempting to minimize civilian casualties.

Dalawang bagyo posibleng pumasok ngayong Nobyembre

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Dalawang bagyo posibleng pumasok ngayong Nobyembre

May posibilidad na pumaosk ang isa o dalawang tropical cyclone sa loob ng area of responsibility ng bansa ngayong buwan, ayon sa Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) sa kanilang climate outlook para sa Nobyembre.

Ang mga posibleng tropical cyclones ay maaaring pangalanan ng “Kabayan” at “Liwayway.”

Ayon sa mga talaan ng PAGASA, may apat na posibleng landfall areas para sa mga bagyong ito sa Nobyembre.

Ang isang tropikal na bagyo ay maaaring mabuo sa west Pacific at pumasok sa Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) at posibleng umikot patungo sa hilagang-silangang bahagi ng PAR bago lumipat patungo sa Japan o Korea. Subalit, maaring hindi ito mag-landfall sa Pilipinas.

Mayroon ding posibilidad na mag-landfall ang isang bagyo sa Southern Luzon, Northern Luzon, o Central Luzon, bago bumalik sa Japan o Korea.

Maaari ring mag-landfall ang isang bagyo sa gitnang Pilipinas bago lumipat patungo sa Vietnam, o sa southern Visayas bago pumasok sa Thailand.

Inaabisuhan ng PAGASA ang publiko na maaaring lumakas ang epekto ng El Niño sa mga susunod na buwan, na magdudulot ng mas matinding tagtuyot at pag-init ng klima.

Pagsapit ng Disyembre, inaasahan ang mas mababa sa normal na pag-ulan sa kalakhang bahagi ng Luzon, samantalang ang karamihan ng Visayas at Mindanao ay magkakaroon ng “near-normal” na pag-ulan.

May 40 hanggang 45 porsiyentong posibilidad na mas mababa sa normal na pag-ulan sa karamihan ng bansa sa pagtatapos ng taon, maliban sa ilang lugar sa Luzon at Mindanao na inaasahan ang malapit sa normal na dami ng pag-ulan.

Israeli airstrikes flatten Gaza apartment buildings amid ground battle with Hamas militants

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israeli airstrikes flatten Gaza apartment buildings amid ground battle with Hamas militants

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip. A relentless onslaught of Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday leveled residential apartment buildings in a Gaza City refugee camp. Rescuers worked tirelessly to extract survivors from the debris, while Israel maintained that the strike targeted a senior Hamas military leader, annihilating a militant command center and an underground tunnel network.

The precise toll of the Jabaliya camp attack remained uncertain, as the director of the nearby hospital, Dr. Atef Al-Kahlot, reported hundreds of casualties without specifying exact figures. The Israeli military asserted that the strike had resulted in the deaths of dozens of militants, including a significant Hamas commander in northern Gaza.

Israeli officials vigorously defended the attack, asserting that the targeted commander played a key role in the initiation of the war during the October 7 assault. They further contended that the apartment buildings collapsed due to the extensive underground Hamas infrastructure being destroyed.

As the conflict intensifies, with Israeli troops advancing deeper into densely populated areas of northern Gaza, the potential for increased casualties on both sides grows. Israel has made it clear that its objective is to neutralize Hamas’ governance in Gaza and prevent threats to its security. Meanwhile, Hamas, an Islamic militant group, openly advocates for the destruction of Israel.

In an unfortunate turn of events, Palestinian telecoms company Paltel reported a second interruption of internet and mobile phone services in Gaza in five days. The blackout significantly hampers the efforts of humanitarian aid agencies already grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis.

Amid these developments, more than 8,500 Palestinians have been reported killed, primarily women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Over 1,400 individuals have died on the Israeli side, including civilians during Hamas’ initial attack. Additionally, Palestinian militants continue to fire rockets into Israel, adding to the complexity of the situation.

The war’s repercussions have also been felt on other fronts, as Israel has exchanged fire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group along the border. Israel and the U.S. have targeted sites in Syria linked to Iran, which supports Hamas, Hezbollah, and other armed groups in the region.

The situation remains fluid and extremely challenging, with many Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza finding themselves caught in the crossfire as ground operations intensify and the conflict shows no signs of abating.

Bicol Express project tatapusin ni Pangulong Marcos

Venus L Peñaflor and Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bicol Express project tatapusin ni Pangulong Marcos

Dahil sa layuning Build Better More (BBM) sa larangan ng imprastruktura, buo ang paniniwala ni Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan na matatapos sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang proyektong muling bubuhay sa modernisasyon ng Philippine National Railways (PNR) Bicol Express.

Ito ay sa kabila ng pag-atras ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) sa plano na kunin ang pondo mula sa China para sa proyekto.

“Patunay nito ang ginanap na groundbreaking kamakailan ni Pangulong Marcos sa mga resettlement sites ng mga residente ng Laguna at Quezon na apektado ng pagpapatayo ng nasabing railway project,” ayo kay Yamsuan,

Sinabi din niya na ang pag-atras sa loan application sa China ay nakitaan ng mas mahigit na benepisyo para sa gobyerno katulad ng paghahanap ng ibang mapagkukunan ng pondo na mas cost-effective financing packages.

Ang unang yugto ng proyektong Bicol Express line ay tinatawag na South Long Haul Project, na mag-uumpisa sa Banlic, Laguna, at tatahak sa maraming lugar sa Quezon, Camarines Sur, at Albay. Ang mga riles ay magtatapos sa Daraga, Albay, at kasalukuyang ini-evaluate ang extension line sa Sorsogon.

Samantala, ang mga lokasyon ng mga resettlement sites ay matatagpuan sa San Pablo City, Laguna, at sa mga bayan ng Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, at Pagbilao sa Quezon.

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