MediaQuest, KBP, PLDT, Smart joined for media literacy
By J.Lo
“First fundamental step to counter this threat is to ThinkaMuna to stop and think and do not mindlessly click, like and share,” MediaQuest and PLDT chairman Manuel . Pangilinan said broadcast media groups in the Philippines have partnered with telecommunications giants for media literacy program.
MediaQuest and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) have partnered with telco giants PLDT and Smart Communications to combat disinformation through media and information literacy advocacy program.
ThinkAMuna Pilipinas campaign will be implemented as part of election coverage programs of MediaQuest and KBP members.
For MediaQuest, media alliance of News5, One News, One PH, Radyo5 TrueFM, The Philippine STAR, BusinessWorld, The Freeman and Pilipino Star Ngayon will cover May 2025 midterm elections through its Bilang Pilipino 2025 program.
These media organizations will share news and information to help Filipinos fight against expected wave of fake news.
PLDT and Smart will assist in disseminating information among its customers.
Surveys show up to 80 percent of Filipinos get their news online, particularly through their cell phones.
“Media and information literacy is important not only during elections…it will help each person be more effective day to day and this will ultimately be for benefit of our people,” he stressed.
KBP chairman Ruperto Nicdao said they are facing “increasingly complex media landscape fraught with rising risks of disinformation…but what is heartening is increasing efforts of media organizations to join hands in fighting this menace.”
ThinkAMuna Pilipinas will initially focus on reporting false or misleading news circulating online or in traditional media.
In the long term, advocacy will strive to enhance critical thinking skills of Filipinos so that they can better evaluate information and promote responsible online behavior and digital citizenship.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
KSA to host inaugural Olympics Esports Games in 2025
By J.Lo
“We are very fortunate to be able to work with Saudi NOC on Olympic Esports Games, because it has great if not unique expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders… Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience,” International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said IOC announced inaugural Olympic Esports Games happening in 2025 will take place in Saudi Arabia, after partnering with National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia for 12 years, with Olympic Esports Games held regularly.
“By partnering with Saudi NOC we have also ensured Olympic values are respected, in particular, with regard to game titles on programme, promotion of gender equality and engagement with young audience, embracing esports,” he stressed.
IOC has been venturing into esports since 2018, establishing Esports Liaison Group as platform to engage with all esports stakeholders. They had included recommendation for esports and virtual games in their Olympic Agenda 2020+5 designed to strengthen Olympic Movement by 2025.
They then held Olympic Virtual Series (OVS) back in 2021 prior to Tokyo Olympics followed by Olympic Esports Series (OES) in Singapore in 2023. Following success of OES, IOC had formed its Esports Commission last October 2023.
Currently, Saudi Arabia is venue for inaugural Esports World Cup, combining 22 esports events across 21esports titles in annual international esports festival that is set to make history with largest prize pool to date with over $60 million (approximately P448.9 million).
“Saudi Arabia is hugely excited by prospect of partnering with IOC and helping to welcome completely new era for international sport…we believe to take part in Olympic Games is one of the greatest honors any athlete can achieve…and we are proud to support writing of new chapter in Olympic history that has potential to inspire new dreams and new ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world,” said Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
He adds, “we are youthful nation, with over 23 million gamers, embracing the future with new thinking and partnerships. Our Kingdom has become global hub for professional esports. Hosting this event is result of rich past, exciting present and promising future for industry in the Kingdom. This is natural next step for our young athletes, our country and global esports community.”
Besides Esports World Cup and coming Olympic Esports Games, Saudi Arabia will also host 2024 World Esports Championship organized by International Esports Federation, elected president is Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, current chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation.
“Retail price of local rice is still lower…before EO 62 takes effect, let us give it some time imported rice is released and distributed,” Department of Agriculture (DA)Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said retail price of local rice remains cheaper compared to those of imported grains despite implementation of Executive Order 62 on lower tariff on imported rice after EO took effect on July 7.
At press conference De Mesa said retail price of local well-milled rice was pegged at P45 per kilo compared to imported well-milled rice at P51 per kilo.
EO 62 reduced tariff on imported rice to 15 percent from 35 percent.
Based on monitoring of DA in Metro Manila markets, retail price of local regular milled rice ranged between P45 and P50 per kilo; local well-milled rice, between P48 and 55 per kilo; local premium rice, between P50 and P58 per kilo and local special rice, between P57 and P65 per kilo.
Imported regular milled rice price ranged between P46 and P51 per kilo; imported well-milled rice, between P51 and P55 per kilo; imported premium rice, between P52 and P60 and imported special rice, between P55 and P65 per kilo.
Amid this development, National Food Authority (NFA) will continue to procure palay after farmers complained of P5-per-kilo drop in its farmgate price because of EO 62, according to De Mesa.
“On the part of DA, we continue to buy palay from farmers. NFA procures palay at high price and, according to the secretary, Council will adjust accordingly and we are seeking additional budget for NFA for this purpose,” he stressed, referring to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Former DA secretary Leonardo Montemayor has warned of further slump in buying price of palay during main harvest season in the last quarter of the year.
With P5-per-kilo drop in farmgate price of palay, farmers are suffering losses, according to Montemayor.
Farmers’ groups have asked Supreme Court to issue temporary restraining order against EO 62 as they asked that order be declared unconstitutional.
In another development, temporary import ban on onions would be extended until end of next month as current stocks remain ample to meet domestic demand, Tiu Laurel said.
The agriculture chief stressed DA would extend import ban on monthly basis based on movement of supplies and demand in the market.
This is now the second extension of import ban on red onion, which started in January.
Initially, ban would have been lifted by May, but it was extended until this month due to bumper harvest in the first half of the year, resulting in overflowing stocks in cold storages.
“We are monitoring everything closely, day-to-day…as of the moment, we really do not need to import,” Tiu Laurel said.
The agriculture chief is cautious that pronouncements on extending import ban could encourage unscrupulous traders to slow down release of their stocks from cold storage, thus jacking up market prices.
Tiu Laurel, however, warned unscrupulous onion traders who attempt to tighten release of their stocks to make killing, that he would not hesitate to allow onion imports to stabilize market prices.
The country usually imports deficit in its onion production to meet overall demand and keep prices stable.
Cold storages are brimming with red onion stocks, holding over 150,000 metric tons (MT) as of July 5, based on latest government monitoring report.
Supplies , all locally produced, are projected to last for 261 days or until March 23 next year.
Meanwhile, yellow onion stocks of about 10,600 MT would last for 72 days or until Sept. 15, according to government report.
Combined red and yellow onion supplies will last for 223 days or until the middle of February next year.
Retail prices of locally produced red and yellow onions in Metro Manila markets have been stable since start of the year.
Red onion prices range from P80 per kilo to P150 per kilo, while yellow onions fetch P80 per kilo to P130 per kilo, based on the latest DA price monitoring report.
MVPO 2024: Fortifying relationships through sportsmanship and camaraderie
Besides being a prominent figure in the Philippine business industry, Manny V. Pangilinan, known to many as MVP, is recognized for his bonafide support of the country’s sports scene. He established the MVP Sports Foundation Inc. (MVPSF) in 2011, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to empowering local athletes by providing them opportunities to better their skills and compete in various tournaments. Moreover, it also aims to pave the way for Filipino athletes to successfully obtain medals in worldwide sports competitions, the most prestigious of which is the Olympics.
MVP’s love for sports and MVPSF’s vision are shown in a way that connects all of his companies, and that is through the MVPO– an athletic event where employees from the MVP Group of Companies gain the same relentless spirit and drive through various sports competitions and talent events.
Precision on Point. MPTC exhibits extensive game knowledge and team collaboration in the Billiards – Doubles category. All photos from MVPO
What is MVPO?
Since 2010, the annual sports event has championed the Filipinos’ burning passion and commitment towards athleticism. It remains steadfast in promoting camaraderie among the MVP Group of Companies, temporarily setting aside work rivalry and biases to strengthen one communal bond.
With the theme “Tuloy ang Alab, Tuloy ang Laban,” 10 corporations have begun their relentless quest for victory this year, showcasing their excellence not only in the market but also inside the playing field. MVPO 2024 features Meralco, PLDT, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., Maynilad, Metro Pacific Health, Smart/Maya, First Pacific Leadership Academy, Philex Mining, Media Quest, and Metro Pacific Investments to complete all 26 exciting competitions.
The athletic event is an ongoing activity, which kicked off last May 17, 2024, at the Meralco Grounds. Starting with a series of fun and easy-level games, the participating teams brought out their inner competitiveness in the human hamster race, group sack race, executive egg toss, and wooden ski race. This served as a warm-up stage for several individual and group sports tournaments, such as badminton, basketball, billiards, bowling, chess, crossfit, dancesport, darts, golf, eSports, fun run, table tennis, tennis, track and field, obstacle course racing, and volleyball. There also is an ultimate frisbee event.
Some competitions are arts and performance-based, with the addition of executive cosplay, battle of the bands, broadway musical, Ms. MVPO, and street dance.
Now on its third leg, MVPO 2024 has dedicated the whole month of July for badminton, darts, and tennis, and is set to conclude in October.
MVP’s care towards his employees appears to transcend office matters, prioritizing everyone’s overall well-being. Through MVPO 2024, the employees get to take a break from work, have a healthy body, and most importantly, develop a deeper level of connection with their officemates.
Aside from the fitness benefits, the athletic gathering promotes trust and open communication to establish an efficient working system and rise through the ranks. Signing up for games, solo or team, allows employees to get to know one another and encourages friendly competition that can even stretch from the playing ground to the workplace.
This blurs out the division between companies, building a rich culture of collaboration and respect for each representative. In fact, it is important to note that MVPO also plays a pivotal role in honing the employees’ character and motivation level to perform through the years.
MVPSF President Al Panlilio said, “The MVP Sports Foundation is often related to our support of our elite athletes. We’re proud to be a part of the Olympic journey of many athletes heading to Paris 2024.”
“However, our mission is more than that. While we aim to empower Filipino athletes from the grassroots and help them progress, we also want everyone to participate in sports because this supports personal development and helps create a culture of sportsmanship and winning. This is aligned with the vision of MVP for his employees to have a healthy lifestyle. This is why the MVPO is an important banner under our organization. It uplifts the competitiveness of the participants while also strengthening the unity of our people,” he added.
What is the participating teams’ current standing?
As of writing, Meralco sits comfortably on top, with six gold medals, two silver, and one bronze to register 38 overall points from its recent back-to-back wins in Street Dance and Battle of the Bands competition. However, nothing is set in stone yet for the electricity provider, as PLDT stays close with 36 points—only two markers behind the leading team.
With two gold, six silver, and four bronze medals, PLDT is consistent in its appearance as a podium finisher across 12 game departments, such as chess, billiards, golf, and bowling. Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. also followed suit to secure the third spot with 25 points, while Maynilad dominated the executive cosplay to earn 21 points.
Metro Pacific Health has two golds and one bronze under its belt at fifth. Conversely, completing the bottom half teams are Smart/Maya First Pacific Leadership Academy, Philex Mining, Media Quest, and Metro Pacific Investments.
MVPO 2024 is far from being over and has several games to offer. Thus, the current standing still can be shaken up, giving the losing teams the prospect to redeem themselves and turn it around.
While this may seem trivial to others, the athletic event is an extension of MVP himself and signifies his overflowing love for sports and his people. Through it, his employees absorb the same characteristics, allowing them to build healthy relationships.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Sports journalist Chino Trinidad 56
By J.Lo
“Chino Trinidad:.. visionary leader, fighter and genuine lover of sports…forever grateful to you, my ‘kum’ and everybody’s commissioner,” former Philippine Sportswriters Association president and Tempo sports editor Rey Lachica posted on Facebook veteran sports reporter and broadcaster Chino Trinidad has passed away, his daughter confirmed. He was 56.
Cause of death and other details are still yet to be revealed.
Trinidad was fixture in sports, with his iconic voice traversing airwaves the past years.
He mostly covered basketball and eventually went into boxing.
He also served as sports reporter of GMA and had sports segment in news program 24 Oras until last year.
Trinidad was also previous commissioner of Philippine Basketball League from 2000 to 2010.
In May, he was tapped by Sharks Billiards Association as its first commissioner.
Death came up bit of shock to many, as his last social media post was just two days ago.
Tributes flooded from athletes, colleagues and fans all over social media for demise.
“Manolo Chino Trinidad was full of dreams and passion…he will be remembered for his fire and friendship,” former PSA president and Daily Tribune sports editor and managing editor Aldrin Cardona said.
Sanman Boxing also thanked Trinidad for his significant contribution to Philippine boxing.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Shannen Doherty, star of ‘Beverly Hills: 90210, 53
By Cynthia Montojo
“It is with heavy heart that I confirm passing of actress Shannen Doherty,” Shannen’s publicist Leslie Sloane said in statement actress Shannen Doherty, known for her role in high school drama series “Beverly Hills 90210,” died after long fight with breast cancer.
Sloane said Shannen died Saturday “after many years of fighting the disease.”
“Devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie… family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace,” Sloane stressed.
Shannen was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and was in remission in 2017. But by 2019 cancer had returned and spread.
Shannen regularly went public with her cancer battle and hosted podcast documenting her treatment. Most recent episode streamed last month.
Shannen rocketed to fame in 1990s playing role of teenaged Brenda Walsh, who along with her brother Brandon, played by Jason Priestley, arrived at Los Angeles enclave for rich from the more quaint Minnesota.
“Beverly Hills: 90210” was massive hit, with viewers particularly riveted by rivalry between Shannen’s Brenda and Kelly, played by Jennie Garth, for affections of heartthrob Dylan.
Dylan was played by Luke Perry who died in 2019.
At its height, show was cultural phenomenon, known for introducing touchy topics like racism, drug abuse and teenage sexuality to hit evening soap opera.
Shannen left show after fourth season amid reports of on-set tensions, but she later revisited character for reboots of series in 2008 and 2019.
She later starred series “Charmed,” playing oldest of three sisters, who discover that they are witches.
She also appeared in cult teen classic, “Heathers,” as well as in indie auteur Kevin Smith’s “Mallrats” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.”
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Shannen’s family moved to Los Angeles when she was a child and she began acting when she was 10 with role on the television series “Father Murphy.”
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Monsoon to downpour
By J.Lo
“Based on latest data, we did not monitor any low-pressure area or typhoon inside and outside Philippine area of responsibility….at least for this week, chance of cyclone is very nil,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Obet Badrina said southwest monsoon will bring rains to the country.
Western Visayas and Southern Luzon will continue experiencing rains brought by monsoon, he noted.
“Because of southwest monsoon, there is big possibility of rains, particularly in Palawan, Western Visayas, including Panay Island and Guimaras,” he stressed.
Most areas nationwide will experience hot and humid weather and thunderstorms might occur, particularly in Calabarzon, Bataan, Zambales and Metro Manila.
Southwest monsoon is expected to intensify later this week, he said.
“There is big chance of rains in western section of Visayas and Mindanao, particularly Zamboanga Peninsula,” Badrina noted.
Meanwhile, farmlands and fisheries affected by El Niño will be rehabilitated this month as Philippines takes advantage of so-called “neutral phase” or before state weather bureau declares start of La Niña.
Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, spokeman of government’s El Niño task force, said country is now in El Niño southern oscillation neutral phase and based on data of weather bureau, there is 69 percent chance climate pattern would shift to La Niña by July, August or September.
Impact of shift may be felt by October, November, December and first half of 2025, he stressed.
“So, even if we are in neutral phase and PAGASA has not declared start of La Niña, it is still important for us to recover from El Niño,We are now in rehabilitation stage… government needs to help our farmers farm lands were hit by drought, affected fisherfolk, so they can recove,” Villarama said in public briefing aired over state-run People’s Television.
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Villarama noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been visiting El Niño-hit provinces to provide assistance to affected sectors…each validated beneficiary is given financial aid worth P10,000 while each province receives at least P10 million.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
NAIA 3 visitors warned of warmer temps
By J.Lo
“While mitigating measures will be in place during this 12-hour window, public is hereby advised to expect elevated temperature inside NAIA Terminal 3 during installation,” airport management in Facebook post showed airline passengers and visitors can expect warmer temperatures at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 as it is set to upgrade its cooling system .
Manila International Airport Authority said NAIA Terminal 3’s centralized cooling system will be shut down as it will undergo upgrade from 9 in the evening on July 16 (Tuesday) to 9 in the morming on July 17 (Wednesday).
Only fans and blowers of air conditioning units will operate to enable air circulation in various areas as six new cooling towers will be installed during this period.
MIAA said around 27,000 arriving and departing passengers on 117 flights may experience discomfort due to reduced air circulation during 12-hour installation.
It also appealed for understanding from public as upgrade takes place.
“MIAA seeks everyone’s understanding as we strive to deliver on our promise of much-improved travel experience for all,” dtressed NAIA management.
MIAA also placed its medical team on high alert to respond to any medical emergency during cooling system maintenance.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
CHR probes death of cadet ‘thumbs up’ to group chat
By J.Lo
“Commission has zero tolerance for such actions…such practices not only jeopardize physical well-being of student but also violate their dignity and rights,” Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc said in statement CHR has launched investigation into death of maritime academy cadet who was reportedly forced to perform physical exercises as punishment.
Second-year merchant marine cadet Vince Andrew Delos Reyes, 19, died in hospital after upperclassman, identified only as “Nathaniel,” ordered him to do strenuous exercises on July 8, initial investigation by Calamba City police found. Alleged punishment was for thumbs-up Delos Reyes accidentally sent to group chat of corps of cadets.
Delos Reyes was reportedly asked to perform 100 repetitions of squat thrusts, followed by 100 repetitions of pumping. Student collapsed while carrying out star jump exercise,. Cadet was rushed to hospital but declared dead on arrival.
Calamba-based NYK-TDG Maritime Academy, where Delos Reyes was cadet, has yet to release statement about incident. Officials of training school reported incident to police the following day, July 9.
CHR’s regional office in Region IV has opened motu proprio investigation, or probe launched of its own accord, into incident, commission said.
Human rights body denounces any form of violence against students and described incident as “blatant violation of student’s fundamental right to life and safety.”
“Severe physical punishments have no place in any educational institution,” CHR chairperson said.
Upperclassman involved in the incident has been placed under custody of the Calamba City Police Station and is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last year acknowledged its “hands are tied” when it comes to enforcing blanket ban on hazing in all higher education institutions as it does not have “quasi-judicial powers” needed to impose sanctions on schools with fraternities, CHED Director Frederick Farolan said.
Noting that schools have right to exercise their academic freedom, Farolan said during March 7 Senate committee hearing best the commission can do is monitor cases.
Anti-Hazing Act was revised in 2018 to outright ban hazing and impose stiffer penalties on persons involved in carrying out violent initiation rites. The 1995 version of law was amended after death of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horacio Castillo III from hazing rites of fraternity Aegis Juris.
But despite amended Anti-Hazing Act, police still recorded “14 or 18” alleged violations of law since 2018, many of which were dismissed, according to Police Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez during hearing.
ISKUP! 