‘Disaster reduction everyone’s business’

 News
Mar 152015
 
‘Disaster reduction everyone’s business’

‘YOLANDA’ SURVIVOR Melvin Castro sits in the rubble of his home in Tacloban City where 18 of his family members were killed. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO SENDAI, Japan—United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has vowed to “continue mobilizing the necessary resources” to make disaster risk reduction (DRR) everybody’s business in the Philippines and other disaster-prone countries. Responding to a question by the Inquirer in a press briefing at the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) at the Sendai International Center in this northeastern Japanese city, Ban, however, admitted that “it would require some time” to make DRR a household word. Ban said raising public and institutional awareness on DRR was doable. “That is why I established the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. We have been meeting regularly and launching many initiatives.” The agency, he noted, had initiated a “global campaign” which aims to enhance people’s awareness of DRR and its importance. “But frankly speaking, [some] government leaders have not given much attention [to the issue] as they have been doing so much on economic policies. But once it happens, then we will have to mobilize all the resources to DRR issues,” Ban said. Ban expressed “hope that with this conference and the [UN agency’s] continuing efforts, [both the public and private sectors] will be able to pay more attention and invest more wisely in DRR areas.” Earlier, during the launch of the 2015 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction in New York, Ban reported that “as the Read More …

Turf Company demos power of the mower

 Economy
Mar 152015
 
Turf Company demos power of the mower

Staking their Turf: Jun Eugenio, The Turf Company sales engineer; Eugene Dimaano, South Forbes GM; Ed Eguchi, Orec overseas trade group manager and  Redge Nieva, The Turf Company sales engineer MANILA, Philippines – The Turf Company, one of the country’s leading distributors of irrigation systems, precision mowing equipment, golf carts and other utility vehicles, recently demonstrated the use and features of Orec Rabbit Mower to  South Forbes Residences & Golf Course, envisioned to be the country’s first golf city with the perfect mix of commercial, office, sports, residential and resort components. It is a property of Cathay Land, one of the fastest-rising real estate firms in the Philippines. The Turf Company team demonstrated how the Orec Rabbit Mower works and how it can benefit South Forbes’ challenging terrain.  Functioning like a dune buggy, Orec Mower’s low center of gravity makes it easy to manipulate, especially in stiff places and areas that are hard to reach.  For over 20 years now, Orec has been providing world-class service and performance to contractors, farmers, public works agencies, golf courses and homeowners around the world.  It is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by The Turf Company, a one-stop shop that provides total solutions to the management and maintenance of golf courses and sports-themed estates, resorts and recreation facilities, hospitals, commercial landscapes like retail developments, and private and residential projects.  Its end-to-end services include designing, supplying and installation of irrigation systems, complemented by the sale and distribution of allied products.  Having Orec Rabbit Mower in Read More …

Rep takes on critically-acclaimed ‘4,000 Miles’

 Entertainment
Mar 152015
 
Rep takes on critically-acclaimed ‘4,000 Miles’

Baby Barredo plays the role of the nonagenarian Vera while Jeff Flores portrays Leo in Repertory Philippines’ 4,000 Miles. MANILA, Philippines – The Repertory of the Philippines, in one of its initial offerings this year, stages the universally-acclaimed and award-winning stage play 4,000 Miles until March 29 at Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1. The story revolves around the unconventional dynamic between an aging woman and her grandson, who recently experienced a major loss in his life biking around the United States before suddenly deciding to stop by his grandmother’s West Village apartment to seek comfort. Theater veteran Baby Barredo plays the role of the nonagenarian Vera, while Jeff Flores portrays Leo. Renowned theater actor Bart Guingona will be taking the directorial chair for this adaptation of Amy Herzog’s masterpiece. “This is really about someone who is at that point in her life that her body has given up on her and all that she is at this point is a fount of wisdom. At the other end of the spectrum is a man who is about to begin his life, who is lost in so many ways. Between them, there are 4,000 miles of experience and wisdom,” Guingona said. Guingona added that though the play is set in the US, the values espoused in the story are universal. Aside from this he is proud to say that 4,000 Miles is one of the best-written plays he has handled in a long time. He said that the play veers away from Read More …

PHL calls on int'l community to press to stop reclamation in South China Sea

 News
Mar 152015
 
PHL calls on int'l community to press to stop reclamation in South China Sea

The Philippines has called on the international community to press for a stop to massive reclamation activities in the South China Sea that could increase tension in the disputed area. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary Evan Garcia said at the 17th ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held in New Delhi on March 14 that “such unbridled reclamation activity worsens an already sensitive geopolitical situation and raises the specter of increasing militarization.”  The DFA also said that Indian Minister of External Affairs Anil Wadha assured the Philippines “that India will encourage the peaceful resolution of the dispute.” On Thursday, the Philippines called on China to stop reclamation work in contested areas in the South China Sea, including in areas that Philippine officials say are within Manila’s territory. A latest surveillance photo of Burgos Reef (Gaven Reef), according to Philippine defense officials, showed that China has constructed a building as large as the Mall of Asia in Pasay City – Manila’s biggest shopping mall. “We are strongly opposed to the reclamation for several reasons because very clearly it is intended to change the status quo, the character and feature, including maritime entitlements, of features in the South China Sea,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose told reporters then. — JDS, GMA News

Marwan's death proof Oplan Exodus not defective, ex-SAF chief Napeñas says

 General
Mar 152015
 
Marwan's death proof Oplan Exodus not defective, ex-SAF chief Napeñas says

Contrary to the findings of the PNP Board of Inquiry, former Special Action Force (SAF) chief Director Getulio Napeñas Jr. said the plan for Oplan Exodus was not defective. Napeñas said the Mamasapano operation successfully neutralized Malaysian terrorist and bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, GMA News’ “24 Oras” reported Sunday.   The dismissed SAF chief also said it is not true that he did not listen to the input from his men. He added the “utmost secrecy and operational security” was the key to the success of the mission. The Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash resulted in the death of 44 elite police commandos, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and five civilians.  It has also put deliberations in Congress on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which is based on a peace agreement signed between the governmen and the MILF, on hold. The BOI report said time-on-target coordination “[did] not conform to the established and acceptable operational concepts and protocols of the PNP.”  Napeñas: Artillery could have saved SAF men Napeñas said at a Senate committee hearing that the fallen commandos could have been saved if the Armed Forces of the Philippines delivered the requested artillery support. Based on text messages to then suspended PNP chief Alan Purisima, PNP OIC Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, and Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, Napeñas at 7:55 a.m. on Jan. 25 told the grid coordinates of the firefight and asked for artillery support. The text messages were obtained by GMA News from a source. Read More …

Marian on cover of Hair Asia mag

 Entertainment
Mar 142015
 
Marian on cover of Hair Asia mag

MANILA, Philippines – In celebration of Hair Asia’s 25th anniversary, Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz has worked long and hard to come up with the special issue that befits the milestone that Hair Asia is celebrating. It also gives tribute to its loyal readers and partners in the beauty industry through the years. Gracing her first magazine cover since her fairy-tale wedding to her real-life Prince Charming Dingdong Dantes, is Marian Rivera-Dantes. It is Marian’s third time to headline the Hair Asia issue. Evelyn said, “I, personally, can’t think of anyone else who has the same timeless quality to their beauty and countenance as Marian which makes her the perfect face to be on the cover of our silver issue.” Hair Asia’s cover spread draws inspiration from the theme of its silver anniversary celebration and 25th National Open Championship for Hairstyling and Makeup Competition at the World Trade Center, titled Meet me in Paris. The entire cover shoot was done at the historic Luneta Hotel. The hotel, completed in 1919, was designed by the Spanish architect-engineer Salvador Farre, and is the only remaining example of  in the Philippines. “This is why we knew it would be the perfect location to hold the photo-shoot because the elements in and around Luneta Hotel would effortlessly echo the romantic feel of Paris,” Evelyn said. Bambbi Fuentes outdid himself in styling Marian’s 1920s look, taking care of every detail right down to her Jewelmer pearls and classic Coco Chanel couture. Marian personally unveiled the magazine last March 3 Read More …

Group calls on govt to pass law protecting children in natural disasters

 News
Mar 142015
 
Group calls on govt to pass law protecting children in natural disasters

In light of recent disasters, especially Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, a non-governmental organization urged the Philippine government to pass a law to protect children during calamities and other emergency situations. Save the Children country director Ned Olney said in a statement this week that Senate Bill 2446 or the proposed Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act will “mitigate the impact of disasters on education” through proper planning and investments. “The [proposed act] is asking for investments to make school facilities safer, setting limits on the use of classrooms as displacement centers and in preparing children and teachers for disasters,” Olney said. If passed into law, the bill will: 1) Enhance and institutionalize protection of children affected by natural disasters and calamities; 2) Provide Congress a strengthened oversight mandate to ensure child protection in disasters; and 3) Address policy gaps in current laws of importance to child welfare. “Disasters have a huge impact on education. However, it does not have to be that way. Proper planning can help us to mitigate the impact of disasters on education,” Olney added. The psychological distress that children suffer after disasters, which affects their ability to learm,  will also be addressed. The House of Representatives approved its version of the bill on third reading in January. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said in a press statement in February that it would pass through the Senate soon and will be signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III “in due time”. Save the Children will call Read More …

De Lima on Mamasapano report: BOI got PNoy's role wrong

 News
Mar 142015
 
De Lima on Mamasapano report: BOI got PNoy's role wrong

(Updated 5:28 p.m.) Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Saturday said the Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry’s report on the Mamasapano clash had a “wrong premise” on President Benigno Aquino III’s involvement in the Mamasapano operation. “Comprehensive as the BOI Mamasapano Report wishes to be, it starts on the wrong premise insofar as the role of the President as commander-in-chief of the PNP is concerned,” De Lima said of the 130-page report. The BOI report, which was made public on Friday, pointed out that Aquino’s meeting with suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima and Special Action Force commander Dir. Getulio Napeñas Jr. was against protocol. The BOI said “the act of dealing with Napeñas instead of OIC-PNP [Deputy Director General Leonardo] Espina bypassed the established PNP Chain of Command.” De Lima: PNoy not PNP commander-in-chief, but chief executive But de Lima pointed out that Aquino cannot be considered the commander-in-chief of the PNP, which is civilian in nature.  “In relation to the PNP, the President is the Chief Executive, in the same way that he acts as the Chief Executive to all the civilian agencies of the Executive bureaucracy,” she continued. De Lima added that the error, which she labeled an “unconstitutional and even illegal operating premise of the PNP”, cannot bind Aquino. “Based on a wrong premise, the BOI Report on the nature of the President’s role can only arrive at a wrong conclusion,” she said. De Lima concluded that although the PNP BOI tried to deliver Read More …

Lacson commends BOI report on Mamasapano clash

 News
Mar 142015
 
Lacson commends BOI report on Mamasapano clash

Police investigators present Mamasapano report. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief and Board of Inquiry (BOI) chairperson Director Benjamin Magalong (center) holds up the BOI’s much-anticipated report on the Mamasapano clash. Looking on are his colleagues in the BOI, Directorate for Research and Development executive officer Chief Superintendent Catalino Rodriguez Jr. (L) and Directorate for Integrated Police Operations executive officer for Eastern Mindanao Chief Supt. John Sosito. Amanda Fernandez Former Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former national police chief, on Friday commended the Board of Inquiry for its report on the Mamasapano clash last January 25. “The BOI and the people behind it deserve commendation,” Lacson said on Twitter. “They did their job well, without fear or favor and according to their sworn duty.” Lacson also also left a message for Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group head Director Benjamin Magalong. “Your career ends when you retire; your character stays until the day you die. You can’t go wrong with the truth,” read his message. Prior to the release of the report, Magalong told reporters that the investigation panel could look “look straight into the eyes of the family members of the SAF 44.” “We are confident that we were able to seek out the truth,” Magalong said. “Haharap kami sa tao na hindi mahihiya, kasama sa mga pamilya ng namatayan,” he said. Forty-four members of the PNP-SAF were killed after one of its teams neutralized suspected international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan in alleged MILF territory in Read More …

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