Monday, April 21, 2025


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BACK TO: University of the Futures 

DC Alviar
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BACK TO: University of the Futures 

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the UP Open University (UPOU) is expected not only for our future but also as “university of the futures.”

Last February 28, it was outgoing Chancellor Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, PhD and incoming Chancellor Joanne V. Serrano, PhD who led “the charge” with their separate statements on the occasion that was filled with worthy activities participated in by alumni, students, faculty, administrators, and other key stakeholders at the Open U headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna.

UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez administered Dr. Serrano’s oath as the newly appointed UPOU leader, who thanked her predecessors and other colleagues. She also introduced the key university officials before a crowd of educators and other guests, vowing to sustain the gains of the university, steering it to greater heights, and reaffirming its commitment to public service.

Its Tri-Conference 2025 bared an overall theme of “Constancy, Change and Co-existence.” The weeklong hybrid TriCon was an international conference featuring three conferences: the International Conference on Open and Distance eLearning (ICODeL), the International Symposium on Education and AI Convergence (ISEAC), and the International Symposium for ASEAN Studies (ISAS).

Universities braved interconnected adversities and had to stand the tests of time, with the UPOU realizing “multidisciplinary to pluridisciplinary solutions, with special emphasis on issues related to sustainable education, one health, and threats in digital landscapes.”

Done for the event were ASEAN member countries’ creative and research works such as films, multimedia materials, and research that reflected respective country narratives and cultures. Sub-themes and topics of presenters included:

·        Entrepreneurship, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in ASEAN

·        Indigenous Peoples, Children, Gender, Social Inclusion, and Empowerment in ASEAN

·        Disaster Management, Climate Change, and ASEAN Community Resilience

·        Sustainable Cultural Heritage, Traditions, and Popular Culture in ASEAN

·        ASEAN Sustainable Cities and Communities

·        ASEAN Food Security, Nutrition, and Health

(Sessions were available on the dashboard on their scheduled day/s.)

Philippine Star entertainment writer/editor Jerry Donato, MDC and Alessandra “Apples” Jalandoni, DComm who worked as a reporter, producer, and public affairs show host with various broadcasting networks, most notably ABS-CBN News, engaged with fellow UPOU graduates attending the affair online and onsite with respective keynotes “Building Bridges, Creating Futures: The Alumni Advantage” and “Legacy and Leadership: Redefining Success Through Community.”

Leading the alumni social event dubbed “Coming Home: Reuniting, Reviving, and Rebuilding” was Tanya Capuli, MA, while success stories were heard from guest speakers Rheo Umil, CPA, and Dr. Elvira Catangay.

Early on, the ASEAN Community Gallery and Fair and other Exhibits were launched at the UPOU CCDL Auditorium. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Dr. Bandalaria, Dr. Serrano, and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Chair of the UPOU 30th Anniversary Committee, Dr. Jean A. Saludadez. They welcomed hundreds of participants and guests.

Founded on February 23, 1995, the UPOU has evolved over the years as this public research university pioneered online teaching and learning and continues to play a leading role in the study and practice of open learning and distance education. It is the fifth constituent university of the UP System, students of which are mostly based in the Philippines but all curricular offerings can be taken in any country.

The future of UoF

In recent years, the UPOU conducted a series of roundtable discussions about UoF or the University of the Future. Roughly six years ago, Dr. Bandalaria had an outstanding contribution in unpacking it when she said at a National Conference on Open and Distance eLearning (NCODeL):

“(UoF) pushes the forefront of important concepts like future-proof degrees and future-ready leaders with ethical and open science perspectives. When we talk of future-proof degrees, we refer to the basic qualifications of training that would facilitate the individuals to undergo career shifts throughout his or her lifetime and would serve as foundations for life-long learning. Economies say young people should plan for five careers in a lifetime so are we preparing our students and our graduates towards that. In short, are the degrees we are offering future-proof? Three years ago, the World Economic Forum predicted that 65 percent of primary school-aged children will end up working in jobs that don’t yet exist so how are we preparing our universities for that kind of scenario? Considering the dynamics that impact education, future group degrees call for a future-proof education system that has the essence of education 6.0 the way we articulated it and which can be described—for me, at least in my own articulation of it—as education with a conscience.”

Remember that she imparted that in 2019; the next months thereafter, we had a worldwide trend of pandemic-induced (tertiary) school shutdowns. Well, what we heard/read from the likes of Chancellor Bandalaria should have prompted all of us, not just education authorities, to really, really be ready for the future. Notwithstanding all the love in the world, all of us had our collective failure in 2020-2021 in terms of the maintenance of or return to academic normalcy.

Conceptual. And yet:

Is it not scientifically prophetic? For an ambitious project such as UoF, laurels are in order. Tatak UP. Mabuhay ang Open University.

Philippine-US defense pacts to remain intact, says envoy

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Philippine-US defense pacts to remain intact, says envoy

MANILA. The long-standing defense agreements between the Philippines and the United States will remain unchanged under U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Manila’s ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez. Speaking on Monday at a foreign media forum in Manila, Romualdez reaffirmed the strength of the alliance between the two nations despite shifts in U.S. foreign policy.

“The United States and the Philippines have always been staunch defense allies,” Romualdez stated, highlighting the continued rotation of U.S. troops in the country and the annual joint military exercises between the two nations. When asked about the future of U.S. security support for the Philippines, including military financing, maritime patrols in the South China Sea, and access to Philippine defense facilities under the alliance, he responded, “All of that will remain.”

Strengthened Military Support and Security Assistance

The Trump administration recently released $5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid, including $336 million allocated for the modernization of the Philippine security forces. Romualdez emphasized that this funding underscores Washington’s commitment to Manila’s defense needs. “We’re hopeful that the succeeding monies will be made available to us in the next couple of years,” he said, referring to the $500 million pledge from the United States last year to support the Philippine military and coast guard amid increasing Chinese assertiveness in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

In addition to financial aid, the United States has deployed a Typhon multipurpose missile system to the Philippines for training exercises. The move has drawn criticism from China, which claims that such deployments threaten regional stability. Despite this, Romualdez expressed confidence in the continued U.S. support for the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Potential Meeting Between Marcos and Trump

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is prepared to travel to Washington for a meeting with President Trump once scheduling allows, possibly in the spring. This meeting is expected to further solidify defense and economic ties between the two nations.

Trade Negotiations and Economic Cooperation

Romualdez also highlighted ongoing trade discussions between Manila and Washington. He noted that the Philippines aims to increase its import of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. as part of a broader economic exchange. “Trump’s idea of what the United States wants to do is helping other countries become a real partner,” Romualdez explained. The Philippines is looking for a “give and take” approach in trade negotiations to ensure mutually beneficial agreements.

His remarks come as Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam and Thailand, scramble to adjust their trade policies following Trump’s directive to review all U.S. trade relationships by April 1.

Impact on U.S. Aid Projects in the Philippines

Despite strengthened military cooperation, the freeze order on certain U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds could affect 29 ongoing projects in the Philippines, valued at over $600 million. These projects span critical sectors such as health, education, and economic development.

Finance Undersecretary Domini Velasquez stated that the Philippine government is actively exploring alternative financing sources to ensure the continuation of these initiatives. “The government is in discussions with other bilateral partners and state agencies to secure the necessary funding,” Velasquez said.

As Manila navigates its evolving security and economic partnership with Washington, Romualdez remains optimistic that the alliance will continue to strengthen, balancing defense commitments with economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

UK, European leaders unite to draft Ukraine peace plan for U.S. review

EDGARDO HERNAL
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UK, European leaders unite to draft Ukraine peace plan for U.S. review

LONDON. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that European leaders have agreed to draft a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States, aiming to secure Washington’s support for security guarantees that Kyiv deems essential in deterring Russia.

At a summit in London, held just two days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine and pledged to enhance their assistance. The discussions underscored the need for increased defense spending to demonstrate to Trump that Europe is capable of self-defense. Additionally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested easing debt-related restrictions to facilitate these efforts.

Formation of a “Coalition of the Willing”

Welcoming a visibly shaken Zelenskiy with a warm embrace, Starmer revealed that Britain, Ukraine, France, and other allied nations would form a “coalition of the willing” to formulate a viable peace proposal.

“This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace,” Starmer emphasized.

Although details of the plan remain undisclosed, French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier indicated in an interview with Le Figaro that it could include a one-month ceasefire affecting air and sea attacks but not ground combat. Macron also suggested the potential deployment of European troops should a more comprehensive peace deal materialize, though it remains uncertain whether other nations have agreed to these terms.

Following the summit, Zelenskiy expressed his optimism, stating, “There will be diplomacy for the sake of peace. And for the sake of us all being together – Ukraine, all of Europe, and America.”

Ukraine’s Stance on Peace Talks

Zelenskiy reaffirmed that Ukraine would not cede any territory to Russia as part of any peace agreement. He also reiterated his willingness to finalize a minerals trade deal with the United States, despite recent tensions.

Regarding his heated exchange with Trump, Zelenskiy suggested that their relationship could still be salvaged but emphasized that future discussions must occur in private. “The format of what happened, I don’t think it brought something positive or additional to us as partners,” he remarked.

Europe’s Urgency in Securing U.S. Support

Concerns have mounted among European leaders that Kyiv may be sidelined in negotiations after Trump’s Oval Office clash with Zelenskiy heightened fears of a U.S. withdrawal from Ukraine’s defense. European officials stress that increasing defense expenditures is critical to securing U.S. backing in the event of a peace agreement.

“After a long time of underinvestment, it is now of utmost importance to step up the defense investment for a prolonged period,” von der Leyen stated, adding that Europe must transform “Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders.”

Trump’s Unpredictability and Its Impact on Ukraine

Europe, which lacks the extensive military and ammunition reserves of the United States, is working to convince Trump that it can sustain its defense but that a credible peace deal requires U.S. involvement. Talks with Washington have focused on securing an American safety net for European peacekeeping efforts, potentially involving air support, intelligence sharing, and a more significant deterrent against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump, who has drastically altered U.S. foreign policy since returning to office, has cast doubt on American military and political commitments to Ukraine. In a Truth Social post late Sunday, he wrote: “We should spend less time worrying about Putin, and more time worrying about migrant rape gangs, drug lords, murderers, and people from mental institutions entering our Country – So that we don’t end up like Europe!”

Trump’s unilateral moves—such as calling Putin without prior notice and dispatching a U.S. delegation to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russia without consulting Ukraine or Europe—have alarmed European leaders. Furthermore, he has falsely implied that Kyiv initiated the conflict and recently criticized Zelenskiy for lacking gratitude for U.S. aid.

European Leaders Seek to Keep Kyiv at the Table

Determined to prevent Ukraine from being excluded from future negotiations, European leaders agreed to work towards ensuring Kyiv’s participation in any peace discussions and strengthening its defense capabilities.

“Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and to succeed, this effort must have strong U.S. backing,” Starmer emphasized in a press conference.

As a further demonstration of support for Ukraine, Zelenskiy traveled to meet King Charles at his private residence in eastern England on Sunday. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials continued their critique of Zelenskiy, with White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stating in a CNN interview that the U.S. requires a Ukrainian leader willing to broker a lasting peace with Russia—questioning whether Zelenskiy fits that role.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commended Trump’s “common sense” approach, accusing European nations of prolonging the war by propping up Zelenskiy “with their bayonets in the form of peacekeeping units.”

With the geopolitical landscape shifting, European leaders remain steadfast in their push for a united front to secure peace—one that includes Kyiv, European allies, and, critically, the United States.

Di ko po alam’: Beauty contestant sa noontime show, ipinatawag ng Comelec

Venus L Peñaflor
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Di ko po alam’: Beauty contestant sa noontime show, ipinatawag ng Comelec

MAYNILA. Ipinatawag ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang isang beauty contestant mula sa isang noontime show matapos nitong umaming wala siyang alam tungkol sa ahensya.

Ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Garcia, nakatakdang dumating bukas, Marso 4, ang 20-anyos na contestant mula Pampanga upang pag-usapan ang isyu.

Sa naturang palabas, tinanong ng host ang kalahok kung ano ang mensahe niya para sa Comelec. Sumagot naman ito ng, “I’m sorry po, hindi ako masyadong knowledgeable sa Comelec,” at inamin ding hindi pa siya nakaboboto.

Sa kabila ng negatibong reaksyon sa social media, pinili ng Comelec na tingnan ito bilang isang pagkakataon upang palakasin ang edukasyong panghalalan.

“We fully understand her. Maaaring madami pa na katulad niya na kabataan o mga Filipino. It is our solemn duty to explain who we are and what we are doing,” ani Garcia.

Dagdag pa niya, “If she is converted as a believer, then we can perhaps do the same for others. Voter education is the key.”

Aminado rin si Garcia na may pagkukulang ang Comelec sa pagpapalaganap ng tamang impormasyon tungkol sa kanilang tungkulin. “For our full understanding as to why. It is our failure. We have to immediately rectify,” aniya.

Samantala, nag-trending ang insidente sa social media, kung saan umani ito ng iba’t ibang reaksiyon mula sa publiko—may mga tumutuligsa habang ang iba naman ay nanawagan ng mas malawak na kampanya sa pagbibigay-kaalaman tungkol sa kahalagahan ng pagboto.

Gene Hackman’s death: No carbon monoxide poisoning, autopsy finds

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Gene Hackman’s death: No carbon monoxide poisoning, autopsy finds

SANTA FE, N.M. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death for Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found deceased in their Santa Fe home earlier this week, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.

At a press conference Friday, Mendoza stated that preliminary autopsy results did not determine a cause of death but confirmed that neither Hackman, 95, nor Arakawa, 65, had traces of carbon monoxide in their systems.

No Signs of Foul Play, But Questions Remain

The couple’s bodies were discovered on Wednesday, with investigators estimating their deaths had occurred several days earlier. Hackman was found in the entryway of the home, while Arakawa was discovered on her side in a bathroom, near a space heater that authorities believe was pulled down when she collapsed.

A partially open prescription bottle and scattered pills were found on a nearby countertop. Sheriff Mendoza confirmed that toxicology reports are pending, and it remains unclear whether any medications played a role in their deaths.

Authorities did not detect any gas leaks in or around the home, further eliminating carbon monoxide as a possible factor.

Hackman’s Pacemaker Stopped Days Before Discovery

One key finding came from an examination of Hackman’s pacemaker, which stopped functioning on February 17—suggesting the actor may have died nine days before his body was found. However, forensic experts caution that pacemaker failure does not always pinpoint the exact moment of death.

Dr. Philip Keen, a retired chief medical examiner in Arizona, explained:

“If your heart required a pacemaker, there would certainly be an interruption at that point—and it might be the hallmark of when the death occurred. But it’s not necessarily the cause, as some people use pacemakers to augment heart function rather than replace it.”

Investigation Continues Amid Privacy Challenges

Investigators are now reviewing the couple’s phones, monthly planners, and medical records, while also speaking with family, neighbors, and workers from their gated community.

However, Mendoza noted that Hackman and Arakawa were known to be “a very private family”, making it difficult to establish a clear timeline of their final days. Authorities also confirmed that the home lacked surveillance cameras.

A maintenance worker was the first to alert authorities after arriving for routine work at the house but was unable to gain entry. He then called a security officer, who looked through a window and saw two unmoving figures inside.

In the 911 call, the security worker stated:

“I have no idea. I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s lying down on the floor from the window.”

Both the maintenance worker and security officer reported that they had not seen the couple in at least two weeks.

A Legacy in Film and New Mexico

Hackman, a five-time Academy Award nominee, was one of the most celebrated actors of his generation. He won Best Actor for The French Connection (1972) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992). His performance in Hoosiers remains one of his most beloved roles.

In the mid-1980s, he met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, at a California gym. The couple later moved to Santa Fe, where Hackman became an active part of the community, serving on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum from 1997 to 2004.

Despite his Hollywood success, Hackman lived a quiet life in New Mexico, avoiding public appearances outside of major awards ceremonies.

Hackman is survived by three children from his previous marriage. He and Arakawa had no children together but were known for their love of German shepherds.

The investigation into their deaths remains ongoing as authorities await toxicology results.

Trump and Zelenskiy clash at White House, leaving Ukraine’s war efforts in limbo

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump and Zelenskiy clash at White House, leaving Ukraine’s war efforts in limbo

WASHINGTON. A highly anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump ended in a dramatic confrontation on Friday, as the two leaders clashed in front of the media at the White House over the ongoing war with Russia.

Zelenskiy had sought the Oval Office meeting as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States and dissuade Trump from leaning toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Instead, tensions flared as Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskiy of showing disrespect, driving relations between Washington and Kyiv to a new low.

A U.S. official confirmed that Trump ultimately told Zelenskiy to leave the White House after the heated exchange, leaving a crucial agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. on the joint development of Ukraine’s natural resources unsigned.

A Heated Exchange

The meeting took a sharp turn when Vance emphasized the need for diplomacy to resolve the war, to which Zelenskiy, with his arms folded, responded sharply:

“What kind of diplomacy are you talking about, JD?” he asked, referencing previous failed negotiations with Russia.

Vance retorted, “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.”

Zelenskiy also directly confronted Trump’s stance toward Putin, urging him to “make no compromises with a killer.” Trump, visibly irritated, later took to Truth Social, posting: “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

Before departing for his Florida residence, Trump reinforced his belief that Ukraine must shift its approach: “What he’s got to say is, ‘I want to make peace.’ He doesn’t have to stand there and say ‘Putin this, Putin that,’ all negative things. He’s got to say, ‘I want to make peace.’”

Zelenskiy, in an interview with Fox News, expressed regret over the meeting’s outcome: “Yes, of course,” he said when asked if his relationship with Trump could be salvaged. “I’m sorry for this.”

International Reactions and Fallout

European leaders were quick to support Zelenskiy. German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz warned, “We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and EU Council President Antonio Costa each spoke with Zelenskiy by phone to express solidarity.

Meanwhile, Britain announced plans to host a summit on Sunday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine amid growing uncertainty over U.S. support.

The Ukrainian military, led by General Oleksandr Syrskyi, reassured the nation via Telegram: “Our strength is in our unity. We stand with our president.” However, concerns are rising among Ukrainians about the continuity of U.S. military aid, which remains essential for Kyiv’s defense against Russian forces.

Trump’s Stance and the Future of U.S.-Ukraine Relations

Trump’s hardline stance has alarmed traditional U.S. allies, as he seeks to improve relations with Russia while scaling back American support for Ukraine. The minerals deal that Kyiv had hoped would secure continued backing from Washington remains in limbo.

At the White House, Trump bluntly told Zelenskiy: “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.” Zelenskiy pushed back: “I’m not playing cards, I’m very serious, Mr. President.” Trump, unimpressed, replied, “You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War Three.”

After the abrupt end to the talks, a White House official revealed that Trump directed aides to inform Zelenskiy that it was time to leave, even as staff were preparing to serve lunch.

Trump later made clear his position on Ukraine’s future: “You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked the incident on Telegram, calling it a “brutal dressing down” for Zelenskiy.

Ukraine’s Battle for Support

Zelenskiy’s visit had aimed to secure additional military aid and reinforce Kyiv’s standing in Washington, but Friday’s meeting underscored the growing divide. Trump’s remarks signaled a departure from the Biden administration’s steadfast support for Ukraine, raising concerns over future U.S. assistance.

Despite Trump’s stance, Ukraine continues to rely on foreign military aid, with its forces locked in a prolonged conflict with Russia. Kyiv has made territorial gains in recent years but remains at a disadvantage against a larger adversary.

With Trump keen to reposition the U.S. as a peacemaker and reduce financial commitments to Ukraine, Zelenskiy’s efforts to secure unwavering American support face significant obstacles.

The political and military stakes remain high as Ukraine navigates an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.

Pope Francis under observation after breathing issue

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Pope Francis under observation after breathing issue

VATICAN. Pope Francis remains under close medical observation after experiencing breathing difficulties on Friday, a Vatican official confirmed. The official noted that the episode did not last long, and the Pope only required light ventilation using a mask over his nose and mouth to aid his breathing.

Doctors are expected to assess the impact of the incident on the Pope’s overall health within the next 24 to 48 hours. However, he has not been in critical condition for the past two days.

On February 22, Pope Francis suffered what the Vatican described as a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis”, but there had been no similar incidents until Friday. The Pope is prone to lung infections due to a history of pleurisy, which led to the removal of part of one lung when he was a young adult.

Double pneumonia, a severe infection affecting both lungs, can cause inflammation and scarring, making breathing difficult.

Will Not Lead Ash Wednesday Mass

Due to his current condition, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis will not preside over the Ash Wednesday Mass on March 5, which marks the start of Lent’s 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday. Instead, a senior Vatican official will lead the service in his place.

Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis continues to perform his duties as head of the Church. The Vatican has been issuing daily announcements requiring his approval.

On Friday, the Vatican released a letter from the Pope addressed to participants in a Church training course in Rome. The letter was signed with a note stating that it was sent “from Gemelli Hospital.”

Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s Development Office, told Italy’s La Stampa newspaper, “The Pope is improving, but at a slower pace than we would like.”

P1.2B bagong gawang tulay sa Isabela, gumuho matapos madaanan ng dump truck

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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P1.2B bagong gawang tulay sa Isabela, gumuho matapos madaanan ng dump truck

ISABELA. Hindi pa man nagtatagal mula nang buksan sa publiko, bumagsak na ang Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge sa Isabela nitong Huwebes ng gabi, Pebrero 27. Ayon sa Department of Public Works and Highways-Cagayan Valley (DPWH Region 2), ang tulay ay kabubukas pa lamang ngayong Pebrero at nagkakahalaga ng P1.225 bilyon.

Ayon sa DPWH, sinimulan ang konstruksyon ng tulay noong Nobyembre 2014 at opisyal na natapos noong Pebrero 1, 2025. May haba itong 990 metro at binubuo ng 12 Arch Bridge na may tig-60 metrong haba, 9 spans ng Pre-Stressed Concrete Girder (PSCG) Type IVB, at kabuuang approaches na 664.10 metro. Ang contractor ng proyekto ay ang R.D. Interior, Jr. Construction.

Matatandaang bumigay ang tulay matapos dumaan ang isang dump truck na may tinatayang bigat na 102 tonelada—higit sa kapasidad na maaaring suportahan nito. Bukod sa dump truck, nadamay rin sa pagguho ang apat pang sasakyan.

Ayon sa DPWH, patuloy pa rin ang masusing pagsusuri sa insidente. “Further analysis on the cause of failure is still on-going and DPWH Region 2 has requested experts from the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Construction in the Central Office to conduct further evaluation and assessment,” ayon sa opisyal na pahayag ng ahensya.

Patuloy na mino-monitor ng mga awtoridad ang sitwasyon at inaasahang magbibigay ng karagdagang ulat hinggil sa sanhi ng trahedya.

Katy Perry, Gayle King to Jeff Bezo’s fiancee Join Lauren Sánchez on Blue Origin Spaceflight

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Katy Perry, Gayle King to Jeff Bezo’s fiancee Join Lauren Sánchez on Blue Origin Spaceflight

All-female crew set for a historic journey aboard New Shepard this spring

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Pop icon Katy Perry, veteran journalist Gayle King, and Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez are preparing to embark on a spaceflight with Blue Origin, marking another milestone for the private space industry.

Bezos’ space company announced the six-member, all-female crew on Thursday, confirming that Sánchez, a helicopter pilot and former TV journalist, personally selected the participants. They will be launched aboard a New Shepard rocket from West Texas this spring, though an exact date has yet to be disclosed.

A Star-Studded Crew for the Historic Mission

Joining Sánchez, Perry, and King on the 10-minute suborbital flight are:
✅ Aisha Bowe – Former NASA rocket scientist and CEO of STEMBoard
✅ Amanda Nguyen – Research scientist and human rights activist
✅ Kerianne Flynn – Film producer and longtime friend of Sánchez

“This mission is about breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation,” Sánchez said in a statement.

Who’s Paying for the Trip?

Since 2021, Blue Origin has been offering spaceflights to tourists, with some passengers receiving free rides while others pay undisclosed but significant sums for the experience. It remains unclear whether the upcoming flight is sponsored or if passengers are covering their own costs.

Blue Origin’s 11th Human Spaceflight

This mission will be Blue Origin’s 11th human spaceflight and follows the company’s inaugural crewed launch in 2021, when Bezos himself flew to space alongside his brother, Mark.

As the countdown begins for this historic all-female mission, the world will be watching to see how these high-profile figures experience the wonders of space travel

Israel and Hamas enter new phase of ceasefire talks

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel and Hamas enter new phase of ceasefire talks

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began on Thursday, according to Egyptian officials, preventing an immediate collapse ahead of the agreement’s first phase expiration on Saturday.

Representatives from Israel, Qatar, and the United States launched “intensive discussions” in Cairo regarding the second phase of the ceasefire, as confirmed by Egypt’s state information service.

“The mediators are also discussing ways to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population and support stability in the region,” the statement read.

Phase 2 of the ceasefire discussions focuses on the potential end of the war, the return of all remaining hostages in Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory. A subsequent Phase 3 would address the return of hostages who have died in captivity.

According to Israeli reports, there are currently 59 hostages remaining in Gaza, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.

However, bridging the gap between a ceasefire deal and Israel’s military objectives remains difficult. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently stated his goal of dismantling Hamas’ governing and military capabilities. Despite significant casualties, Hamas remains intact and refuses to disarm.

Hours before negotiations commenced, an Israeli official stated that Israel would not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic border area between Gaza and Egypt, as required under the ceasefire agreement. This decision complicates the already delicate negotiations, particularly with key mediator Egypt.

An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, justified the army’s presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, citing the need to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed he had seen tunnel entrances on a recent visit to the corridor, though he provided no evidence. Egypt has denied these claims, stating that it dismantled smuggling tunnels years ago and maintains a military buffer zone to prevent illegal activity.

Hamas, in response, warned that any Israeli effort to retain control over the corridor would constitute a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire terms.

On Thursday, Hamas released the remains of four Israeli hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners, marking the last planned swap under the ceasefire’s first phase.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the identities of the four deceased as Ohad Yahalomi, Itzhak Elgarat, Shlomo Mantzur, and Tsachi Idan. Mantzur, 85, was killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and taken into Gaza, while the other three were reportedly killed in captivity.

“Our hearts ache upon receiving the bitter news,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog. “In this painful moment, there is some solace in knowing that they will be laid to rest in dignity in Israel.”

Among the Palestinian prisoners released were 445 men, 21 teenagers, and one woman. Many were detained in Gaza following the October 7 attack, held without formal charges. While some were returned to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, dozens of those convicted for attacks against Israelis were exiled.

The six-week ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, halted 15 months of warfare that began after Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and saw around 250 people taken hostage.

Since then, Israeli military operations have resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health officials in Gaza. Reports indicate that more than half of the casualties have been women and children. The ongoing conflict has displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population and devastated the territory’s infrastructure and healthcare system.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to continue efforts to recover all remaining hostages and dismantle Hamas’ military structure. The U.S. has reiterated its support for these objectives.

However, with Hamas holding the remaining hostages as leverage, the path forward remains unclear. The militant group is unlikely to release its last bargaining chips without securing a lasting ceasefire, making continued negotiations critical to preventing further escalation.

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