DOST invites you to watch the pilot episode of S&T Features S&T Fellows Program to showcase Mental Health Research

“Mental Health is our agenda.”

This is the theme of the pilot episode of the Science & Technology (S&T) Features to be premiered on 25 October 2022, 10 A.M. via Facebook Page of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) S&T Fellows Program. 

 

In line with the recent celebration of the Mental Health Week in the country, the first episode will showcase the research and development studies on Mental Health in the Philippines. The online discussion will put a spotlight on the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development’s (DOST-PCHRD) efforts in creating the National Mental Health Research Agenda as well as their current R&D initiatives.

 

“Two years since the inception of the DOST S&T Fellows Program, the S&T Features will highlight the contributions of our brilliant hired S&T Fellows. By featuring the Fellows’ current R&D projects and programs, we hope to encourage more Filipino S&T experts to join us in the program and help us in shaping the country’s R&D landscape,” remarked Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation and Officer-in-Charge of Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development.

 

“This is a good opportunity for us to discuss Mental Health as a research agenda. We have been hearing promotions and advocacies on Mental Health awareness but seldom on the research that is happening in the country,” said Dr. Sarah Jane Jimenez, S&T Fellows assigned to DOST-PCHRD. Dr. Jimenez will lead and moderate the online discussion.

 

In addition, among the guest speakers are Mr. Jules Carl Celebrado, Program Head of the Mental Health R&D Program in DOST-PCHRD and Dr. Arsenio Alianan, Jr., Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology in Ateneo De Manila University and a member of the Mental Health Research Advisory Group (MHRAG).

 

The S&T Features is an online activity which aims to promote the S&T Fellows Program by showcasing the accomplishments and involvement of the S&T Fellows in their respective DOST agencies.

 

To watch the pilot episode, kindly visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/STFeatureEpisode1 and click “Going” to be notified when we go live. 

 

To know more about the DOST S&T Fellows Program, please follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DOST.STFellows. For inquiries, you may send us a message via email at sntfellows@dost.gov.ph 

Pinoy’s current fish and seafood consumption and the decline in marine resources

A typical Filipino diet comprises of rice-vegetables-fish combination with fish found as the main source of protein for most Filipinos. However, despite the archipelagic nature of the Philippines and the diversity of fish and seafoods available in the country, a high proportion of Filipinos was found to have protein inadequacy.

These are among the highlights of the study, The State of Fish in Nutrition Systems (FINS) in the Philippines published by Oceana and MRAG Asia Pacific, in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Institute (DOST-FNRI).

Based on the 2018-2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), only 55.1% of households meet the recommended protein intake. The gap is even more stark among individual population groups that are in dire need of this nutritional intake. Only 17.1% among pregnant women, 19.1% among lactating mothers, and 27.2% among the elderly are meeting the recommended intake, according to the same survey in 2018-2019.

“Fish & seafoods are the main source of good quality protein of Filipinos, thus, availability & accessibility must be ensured. If the situation persists and left unattended, this may result to higher medical costs for the management of illnesses as resultant factor of nutrient inadequacy,” Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, DOST-FNRI Director said.

Fish and seafood consumption among Filipinos has been declining over the years. The highest was in 1982 at 113 grams per person per day, and down to its lowest at 94 grams per person daily in 2018-2019.

“Let us remember that restoring the ocean could feed a billion people a healthy seafood meal a day. This rings true in our country. Our fisheries support communities and in fact, the Philippines ranks second in the world with population highly dependent on healthy and vibrant oceans for nutrition, livelihood, and coastal protection. But we need to be vigilant in ensuring that the human-induced pressures on our ocean which caused an alarming decline of fish population, such as rampant illegal fishing in our municipal waters and continuing destruction of marine habitats, are stopped,” said Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana Vice President

Among the findings of the study was the undervaluation of coral reefs’ contribution to food and livelihood security considering that these provide 50 times more employment than commercial fishing in Exclusive Economic Zones. These fish species are also important in supporting various life stages of fishes, including galunggong.

Seafoods that are gleaned from intertidal zones, like invertebrates and shells, as a steady source of important nutrients for Filipinos, are underappreciated. Another problem revealed by the study was the unreported catch of commercial fishing that contributes to underestimation of fish and seafood supply.

Ramos added that the findings in the FINS study “should fire us up to restore the once-deep seated relationship that we had with our ocean and make it the wellspring of health, livelihoods and well-being of our people. Let’s learn from some of our local government champions who have set the standards high for nutrition, wellness and ecological integrity as priority programs for their constituents.”

The study found that fish from aquaculture like tilapia and bangus, offer lesser nutrients, such as protein and iron, per serving compared to a diverse option of pelagic species like galunggong, matambaka and tuna from wild capture fisheries. Tilapia and bangus are the commonly consumed fish by Filipinos, comprising 26% of total seafood consumption per individual.

Moreover, aquaculture employs fewer people and is more capital intensive, while wild capture fisheries, primarily contributed by marine municipal fishers, provides more livelihood and food security.

“Let us be better stewards of our ocean and enhance the well-being of the present and the future generations,” said Ramos.

This was echoed by Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Director of DOST-FNRI who said that “with food security as one of the new administration’s priority agenda, we hope that the direction of development in the fisheries and fishing industry will be towards achieving better nutrition for Filipinos.”

The study was conducted to determine the role of Philippine fisheries in terms of food security and livelihood at both the national and regional scale; assess future risks to food security and livelihood in the Philippines; and provide advice on policy options to strengthen the contribution of fish in nutrition systems in the face of ecosystem change.

IDSI’s Statement on US VP Kamala visit to Palawan & proposed additional EDCA bases

World needs more bridges, not bases.

We call for steady leadership, diplomacy, and peace from all parties, amid worrisome developments and some parties provoking for military escalation in our region, all over the world.

Let us learn from the wisdom of our ASEAN neighbors who continue to engage all major powers to the benefit of their national interest and development, without provoking or alienating any country…

Despite its diversity, ASEAN has been relatively peaceful for decades because it was able to balance the great power politics of the Cold War, allowing it to become the fastest growing region in the world. Our neighbors are engaging constructively not only with China and the US, but with Russia, India, Australia, etc..

Today, we need to focus on building more bridges, not bases. On economic cooperations, not military provocations.

Let us not repeat the same mistake. The Philippines has experienced the cost of being part of a proxy war between two powers. In World War 2, Manila was the most destroyed in Asia because Japan and the US bombed each other in the Philippines, leading to almost a million Filipinos dead — with no added benefit to the Filipinos, more for the US! Other Southeast Asian nations had far less deaths and damages.

None of our ASEAN neighbors accepted the US offer to add military presence or join in castigating or isolating other nations. Kamala has the lowest approval rating in modern times, under a President with also low support from his own people, similar to House Speaker Pelosi going to Taiwan to improve her electoral chances but at the cost of heightening tensions in and militarising Asia… Biden’s 2022 National Strategic Security announced an all out war vs China (currently on all fronts, initiated by the US, except for direct military confrontation)...

The Philippines must avoid becoming the unnecessary central battleground of any powers.

A mutual defense agreement under current terms requires the Philippines to enter in any fight of the US and her allies regardless if we agree or not. Since China has no interest in invading the Philippines, what benefit is there for the Philippines to give up its sovereign decision-making to the US?

Despite a disputed area between China and the Philippines, we have achieved relative peace under compromise and negotiations, our Filipino fishermen reported increase catch, on top of very significant economic benefits to develop our economy (which keep growing across various sectors in trade, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, education, etc.)— all gained, not from military alliances, but from peaceful engagements.

The cost of the next conflict will be unimaginable, and not for the benefit of our Filipino people.

President Marcos graced the 8th Balik Scientist Program Convention 2022 at PICC

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recognized Balik Scientists and their respective host institutions during the 8th Annual Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) held on 14 October 2022 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.

“As we all know, the world we live in has become more and more dependent on technology. We live more and more of our lives in the digital world. We have been confronted by a pandemic that again look to science for solutions, for vaccines protocols, for strategies, for technologies that would help us out of a particular problem,” said President Marcos in his Keynote Speech.  “Because of the pandemic, we have learned that it is science that will provide for us the answers to future.”

The President assured that his administration will extend all support in making science and innovation an instrument of progress and prosperity for the Filipino.

The Balik Scientist Program Convention is a yearly gathering that aims to establish stronger ties and research collaborations. This year’s event dubbed “Kasangga sa Paglinang ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan,” highlighted the activities, accomplishments, and research contributions of selected Balik Scientists and the latest in their respective fields ranging from health, agriculture, aquatic, industry, energy, and emerging technologies. It likewise showcased how Balik Scientists contributed to the attainment of the mission and vision of their host institutions and to addressing national concerns.

Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said, “I am glad see that patriotic spirit is still lingering among our Filipino scientists. The pandemic did not hinder them to be give back to the country.” Through the commitment and dedication of Balik Scientists, seven laboratories were built and established at the height of the pandemic. One of these laboratories is the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Laboratory situated in the University of San Agustin. The NMR is led by Balik Scientist Dr. Julius Lopez and is committed to provide support in biomedical identification and drug discovery. It is classified as the first laboratory in the Visayas Region, second in the Philippines, and fourth among the ASEAN countries.

“The program targets to award a total of 101 Balik Scientists in 2023 with plans to increase target by 10% per annum should target be achieved,” as mentioned by Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation and OIC of the Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Leah J. Buendia. 

President Marcos and the DOST urged more Filipino scientists to come home with Balik Puso service. It was emphasized that with the enactment of Republic Act No. 11035 institutionalize the Balik Scientist Program in 2018, the Program has been offering better incentives and privileges to Balik Scientists. 

Science, technology or innovation expert or professional, who is a Filipino citizen or a foreigner of Filipino descent, who may be a resident of another country or a Philippine-resident for not more than three (3) years, are qualified and encouraged to avail of the BSP. 

A week-long celebration of the 47th Anniversary of the National Housing Authority (NHA)

MANILA – To celebrate its 47th anniversary, the head of the National Housing Authority (NHA) on Monday highlighted the projects the agency has carried out in the past two months under the new leadership.

In a press conference, NHA General Manager Joeben Tai cited as an example the launch of the government's Build Better and More housing project, which aims to meet housing needs and end the country's housing backlog.

Tai, now in his first 71 days in office, said in his first week in the NHA, he approved the release of PHP270 million for the “Emergency Housing Assistance Program,” which provides financial assistance to victims of the magnitude 7 earthquake in provinces. of Abra and Ilocos Sur on July 27.

The distribution was held on August 11, 2022, benefiting 26,280 families.

NHA also provided housing units to 431 beneficiaries from San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan on September 6, 2022.

Out of 431 beneficiaries, 154 are from Pleasant View Residences, 128 families from St. Joseph Ville, 104 families from San Jose del Monte Heights, and 45 from Rising City Village.

Tai also led the unveiling and blessing ceremony of the NHA's housing project for members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at Malacanang Park, Manila on September 9, 2022.

"This symbolizes the agency's gratitude to the PSG personnel for their courage and continued loyalty in serving the country, especially for their courage in protecting and ensuring the security and safety of our beloved President and his family," he said. .

Tai also hopes to renew the NHA charter that expires in 2025. ( TPE News TV )

African and Eurasian Nations Commit to Strengthen Resources for the Conservation of Rapidly Declining Migratory Waterbirds

Countries Flock Together for Waterbirds in Budapest

 

Budapest, 30 September 2022 - The Eighth Meeting of the Parties (MOP8) to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) held under the theme “Strengthening Flyway Conservation in a Changing World” concluded today in Budapest, Hungary with the adoption of 16 resolutions and new guidelines aiming to improve the conservation status of 255 migratory waterbirds listed under the UN-backed treaty. Species covered by AEWA include iconic species such as the White Stork, Red-breasted Goose and the Black Crowned Crane.

The decisions were made just days after the release of a major new report warning that half of the world’s bird species are in decline and one in eight threatened with extinction.

Through commitments made by the MOP, countries across the African-Eurasian Flyway recognize that implementing AEWA at national and regional levels helps not only to protect waterbirds, but also makes a significant contribution to tackling the triple environmental crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. Improved management of the wetlands and other habitats that waterbirds depend on is an essential part of maintaining the healthy ecosystems needed to sustain human communities in all parts of the Flyway.

“Despite the current economic crisis, we have seen countries come together here in Budapest to strengthen the Agreement’s ability to coordinate conservation measures between countries all along the flyway which stretches from the high Arctic to the southern tip of Africa and east to the Arabian peninsula and western Asia. Additional resources provided to AEWA will be dedicated to coordination of species action plans, as well as strengthening waterbird conservation more broadly across the African continent,” said Jacques Trouvilliez, the Agreement’s Executive Secretary.  

AEWA MOP8 was the first major inter-governmental nature conservation meeting hosted by Hungary, with over 200 people attending including delegates from 45 Contracting Parties, 50 representatives from non-Party countries, inter- and non-governmental organizations as well as many national and international experts.

“Efforts of a single country are not enough to protect waterbirds, as they are exposed to many threats during the course of their migration. We can only protect them properly if all countries along their migration routes have the legal regulatory instruments and measures in place to ensure that they find adequate habitats and feeding areas. It is also important that these measures are coordinated. And that is unthinkable without international cooperation” said Dr Zsolt Semjén, Deputy Prime Minister of Hungary at the opening of the meeting.

Over the course of the four-day meeting, delegates considered a number of reports, including the latest conservation status report on the species listed under the Agreement published in 2021. This showed that an alarming 43 per cent of AEWA waterbird populations are in long-term decline and 33 AEWA species are globally threatened with extinction.

Among the decisions agreed by AEWA MOP in Budapest was the adoption of a new International Action Plan for the Common Eider, a declining sea-duck species covered by the treaty. The adoption brings the total to 31 action or management plans – among the most powerful tools for reversing population declines, when implemented at the flyway level.

The final days of the meeting saw other highlights, including a total of 15 side events, the presentation of the AEWA Waterbird Conservation Awards to Mr Hichem Azafzaf  (Tunisia) in the individual category and BirdLife South Africa in the institutional category, as well as the recognition of the European Commission as a Champion Plus – under the Migratory Species Champions Programme – for its generous support and commitment to the AEWA African Initiative.  

The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) is an inter-governmental treaty dedicated to the conservation of migratory waterbirds that migrate along the African-Eurasian Flyway. The Agreement covers 255 species of birds ecologically dependent on wetlands for at least part of their annual cycle.

With Cameroon joining AEWA as a Party on 1 October 2022, a total of 82 countries and the European Union will have signed the environmental treaty, which has a geographic range covering 119 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Greenland and the Canadian Archipelago.

Launched in 2014 by the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in collaboration with the Secretariat of AEWA, the Migratory Species Champion Programme is a fundraising scheme which has been recognized by several institutions. It is open to governments, companies, organizations and individuals willing to make a financial commitment of at least three years for one or more specific initiatives that fall under AEWA and the CMS Family umbrella. It offers a portfolio of initiatives that contribute to the implementation of a large programme targeting a species, a group of species or a cross-cutting issue. 

MNL Beer Fest – October Beer Festival Celebration at Greenfield District this October 14-16!

The MNL Beer Fest is a three-day event that features over 100 different imported, local, and craft beers from October 14 to October 16 at the Greenfield District Mayflower Parking in Mandaluyong. Being the only event in the Philippines that consistently brings beer enthusiasts from across the region together since 2018, this event proves that Filipino beer is truly world-class and worth celebrating. With artisanal beer culture slowly gaining traction in terms of popularity in the Philippines, the MNL Beer Fest hopes to bring in both patrons and newcomers alike.

Guests attending this event would surely have a unique experience because not only that they will be able to try as many beers as they want, they can personally have a chat with the respective brewmasters & beer ambassadors. According to Event Director, Cherry Genato, one of the primary goals of this year’s MNL Beer Fest is to educate first-timers about the locally produced craft beers. In this event, guests will get basic information that allows them to distinguish beers based on their unique beer styles, production method, and flavor profiles.

For a minimal admission fee of Php 250, you get one (1) beer serving and bonus to get FREE TASTE from some of the local brewers! One can get very overwhelmed with that alone.

Asia Brewery Inc. will be participating with their Brew Kettle Beer & Asahi Beer.
Watch out for the recently launched Heineken Silver at the event and a wide array of Imported beers from Booze Online. 

Participating Local Craft Beer breweries at the MNL BEER FEST are 

Beer Bunny, Bulul, Crows Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., Drink It now Pare, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, Gypsy Brewing Guild, Jade’s Temple Microbrewery, Katipunan Craft Ales/PCK, Manila Mashers Homebrew Club, Mitchell’s Backyard Brewery, Nipa Brew, Nitro, Oros Brew Shop, Palm Tree Abbey, Sagada Craft Brewery, Brewed Statement, Bellas Brujas Rak ‘en Roll,  The Marc’s & Tony Brewing Co. Three Bulls Craft Beer and Brewery, Tipsy Cream Manila,  Treeline Ales and  Weekend Craft Ales. 

This event is open for all and is located at the Outdoor Setup in the Mayflower Parking of Greenfield District in Mandaluyong from October 14 to 16, 2022, from 4pm to 12midnight. 

For More details on the Philippine Craft Beer Festival visit :

https://www.facebook.com/MNLcraftbeerfestival

https://www.facebook.com/craftbeer.ph

https://www.facebook.com/mnlbeerfest

How Vietnam’s Claims, can be a Threat to the Philippines?

Vietnam might just become the next China.

That is, when it comes to territorial disputes and claims in the West Philippine Sea. This hotspot is a heavily contested region that features heavy trade traffic between shipping and logistical lanes. Furthermore, there is some speculation that the continental shelf beneath the sea contains huge amounts of crude oil, which can bolster the economy of the nation-state that taps into them first. It is, without a doubt, a ticking time bomb that constitutes some of the ingredients for boiled territorial disputes.

The West Philippine Sea Dilemma

Indeed, border and delimitation disputes are a thing in the West Philippine Sea. The Spratly Islands itself consist of at least 56 major islands/islets. Brunei claims one, Taiwan claims two, Malaysia claims six, China claims seven, the Philippines claims 11, and Vietnam claims a staggering 29 of these features. The Spratlys are only one of the island groups in the region that’s disputed; there are also the Natunas and Paracels.

Another complication about these claims is that they’re not entirely collected in one area. These claims are randomly scattered across the West Philippine Sea, overlapping with other countries’ claims. 

Therefore, it is a chaotic “bundle of mess” that doesn’t have defined boundaries that are causing the decades-long dispute in the region.

Delimitation between ASEAN States and Vietnam’s Greed

In light of this, border delimitation talks between ASEAN countries have been ongoing to “organize” and sort out the confusion brought about by these disputes. Vietnam and Indonesia have been doing this for a long time, as well as Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and the Philippines.

The Exclusive Economic Zone delimitation talks between Indonesia and Vietnam started in the early 2000s. This series of talks followed agreement after agreement on whose feature is whose. However, it is worth noting that the recent EEZ delimitation talks between the Republic of Indonesia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam last July 14 to 16, 2022 put the former at a disadvantage. 

According to Indonesia’s DPW-KPS (Regional Executive Board of the Prosperous Justice Party), Vietnam will take at least 65% more territorial waters than Indonesia following the deal.

This is despite Vietnam having the most claimed features in the West Philippine Sea among ASEAN states.

PH Delimitation Strategy with Indonesia Key to Resolving Disputes?

Recently, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. said its delimitation strategy with Indonesia may be the best template for establishing the regional border disputes among

ASEAN nations. While the entire strategy itself isn’t revealed to the public due to matters of national security, President Marcos said that it is “worthwhile to explore at the very least” since it was one instance where both countries came to both conclusion and resolution.

This type of delimitation strategy, President Marcos says, can be used when dealing with border disputes with other countries such as Vietnam and China.

Backgrounder: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

To further understand the factors at play, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes a legal framework for maritime laws of all nation states and parties concerned.

According to the convention, a country’s territorial sea should stretch 12 nautical miles from the baseline of its coast. After that, the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) should stretch 200 nautical miles from the edge of its territorial sea.

Both the Philippines and China are signatories of the said treaty, to which they have exclusive economic rights 200 nautical miles from the said 12-nautical-mile territorial sea. The latter currently claims around 80% of the West Philippine Sea due to its “historical” nine-dash line.

However, neighboring countries have rejected this claim. The culmination of this rejection came with the legal victory of the Philippines against China, stating that the latter is obliged to follow the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) rather than its historical claims.

Importance of Delimitation Treaties

To make territories more defined when EEZs overlap with one another, delimitation treaties are created to superimpose a proper border between two countries.

This reflects the importance of delimitation agreements and/or treaties, but that is not merely the point. Vietnam’s claims in the Spratly Island Group are far from the 200-kilometer EEZ of the said country.

Therefore, they technically don’t have the backing of the United Nations with their claims in the disputed islands. Vietnam is roughly 1,400 kilometers away from the Philippines, with their claimed islands somewhere in the middle at 700 to 1,000 kilometers away from their mainland.

Vietnam’s “Historical” Claims

Since Vietnam and the Philippines are both signatories of the UNCLOS, both countries should follow the “law of the sea” rather than historical claims. Vietnam asserts its claims in both the Paracel and Spratly Islands because of historical records that prove the country’s occupation of the islands that stretch to the 17th century.

However, the Law on the Convention of the Sea states that historical claims should not be the basis anymore for formal border delimitation implementation. This is the same reason that China is trying to impose to no lawful avail.

It would seem that the dispute between Vietnam and Indonesia was not as fair as it was between the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia.

To add to this case, Vietnam has a long history of aggressive expansion, going as far as occupying parts of Laos and Cambodia during and after the Vietnam War, and clashing with China when things didn’t go their way despite being friends from the start.

The Threat of Vietnam against the Philippines

And so, this highlights another threat over the horizon: will the Philippines be at odds with Vietnam? As mentioned earlier, Vietnam is currently claiming 29 features in the Spratly Group of Islands, while the Philippines only lays claim to 11 of these islands and islets. The claimed territories of Vietnam often overlap with the Philippine claims. In a nutshell, some of their claimed islands are too close for comfort to Filipino-claimed islands.

If ever there are border delimitation talks, will Vietnam play fair and square? How is there an assurance that they won’t do to the Philippines what they did with Indonesia?

The answer is UNCLOS.

However, this raises another issue: the incapacity and incapability of the United Nations to police this convention on the law of the sea. If it was properly policed, then there would be no disputes in this region. China would go back to their rightful territories and everything would be organized in neat, old-fashioned borders that are 200 nautical miles from the edge of each country’s territorial waters.

Of course, we know that’s not happening. Logically speaking, they have legitimate claims in the Paracel Islands, but not in the Spratlys.

Now, we go back to the beginning of this article; can Vietnam become the next China when itcomes to island and land grabbing in the West Philippine Sea? Possibly. However, certain factors such as the UNCLOS and the face of a greater threat in the personification of China may just unite these two ASEAN countries against a common threat, arriving at a peaceful resolution to the dispute in these islands.

Vietnam’s aggressive claims in the Spratly Islands need to stop. They claimed far too many islets outside of their Exclusive Economic Zone. Their government should give back these islets to their rightful owners according to the UNCLOS so that they may not be sanctioned and frowned upon by the international community.

Vietnam should follow the law and not become like China in terms of aggressiveness in the Spratly Group of Islands. If they do, they might just find themselves in the crosshairs of multiple ASEAN states. Indonesia’s doing enough to combat intruders into their Natuna Group of Islands, whether these are Vietnamese or Chinese boats. Perhaps a similar engagement may happen in the Spratlys, but tensions in the area may just put everyone on the brink of war, so probably not.

In the end, we can’t tell how big of a threat everyone is to each other. That’s just how geopolitics work.

As for the question if Vietnam is a threat to the Philippines: lawfully, no, but if they follow the footsteps of China, they may just find themselves toe-to-toe with stationed Filipino Marines in the Kalayaan Group of Islands. After all, the Philippines has the backing of the United Nations following its ruling against China last 2016.

Marcos Administration’s 1 Million Houses Per Year program announced a tNational Developers Convention 2022

05 October 2022 – Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Acuzar discussed the details of the Marcos administration's plans for the housing industry on the first day of the 30th National Developers Convention held from October 5 to 6, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig City

In his keynote speech, Housing Secretary Acuzar introduced the ‘Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program,’ a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that aims to construct a projected one million houses per year in select areas in the country to address the 6.5 million housing backlogs and the two major bottlenecks of affordability and access to funds for housing.

The two-day convention, annually organized by the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), in partnership with the DHSUD, gathered more than 300 housing sector stakeholders who will be key players in the new administration’s ambitious, affordable and inclusive national housing program. 

“This will mean huge things for housing developers and new areas of synergy between the private sector, the national government, local government units, and local communities,” said SHDA President May Rodriguez, expressing full support for the program.

Through the housing program, partner LGUs may also provide flexible financing options alongside a preferential interest rate of only 1% to make the units affordable to low-income beneficiaries.

Bringing new generation housing luminaries to the fold

Aside from Secretary Acuzar, second-generation property developers delivered their resource speeches to inspire the audience to modernize the way they do their businesses.

The roster of the young and dynamic affordable housing leaders who served as the event’s resource speakers includes Jacinto Ng, Group Executive Officer of the Joy Nostalg Group; Jose Franco B. Soberano, COO of Cebu Landmasters Inc.; Julius Guevarra, Corporate Planning Head of DM Wenceslao and Associate Inc.; Ricardo Lagdameo, President of Damosa Land; Jose Marco Antonio, President and CEO of Century Properties Group Inc; and Gabriel D. Laurel, Strategy Head for the Property Company of Friends (Pro-friends)

Soberano, Ng, and Guevarra have all been pivotal in their respective companies’ explosive growth. In the plenary session "From Good to Great: Insights from Real Estate Developers that Made the Leap,” they relayed these growth stories and the factors that allowed them to break through to their current level of success

Meanwhile, in "Building the Urban Center of the Future," Lagdameo, Antonio, and Laurel discussed their visions for inclusive, sustainable urban centers and shared the qualities of the urban centers that each of them built.

The six real estate leaders, who are all new movers and shakers in today’s Philippine property market, shared their best practices, success stories, and fresh perspectives as private sector developers. They also shared their experience in working hand in hand with the government, bringing in vital insights on the mode of intervention, planning and implementation, and innovations for sustainable housing communities, among others

Later on, SHDA will hold the seventh Housing Expo from October 7 to 9 at the Megatrade Hall 1, Megamall B, Mandaluyong City, to feature an extensive selection of property offerings, construction supplies, and housing and financial services for home buyers and owners. 

About the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. (SHDA)

The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) is the largest and leading industry association for housing and urban development in the Philippines. With 350 members nationwide and eight regional chapters, SHDA members include the country’s top real estate developers players and a dynamic national network of small and medium developers. SHDA member-developers produce over 80% of homes produced annually in the country, giving SHDA unparalleled reach amongst Philippine homebuyers

Established in 1970, SHDA has over 50 years of continued close linkages with its members, government agencies, and allied professionals and is the leading voice in articulating the advocacy of the housing industry in the Philippines.

Visit here: shda.ph

#shdanatcon2022

UNITED CITY FC TO OFFICIALLY REPRESENT CENTRAL LUZONFIRST UCFC HOME MATCHES HOSTED IN OCTOBER IN NEW CLARK CITY

CAPAS, TARLAC. Philippines Football League (PFL) defending national champion United City Football Club (UCFC) is set to start hosting its official home matches during the ongoing 2022/23 PFL season at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium from October onwards, bringing excitement and live matches to football fans in Central Luzon.

The UCFC home-premier will be against the Azkals Development Team (ADT) led by former Azkals Captain Stephan Schroeck, on October 22 at 4:00pm at the world-class facility at New Clark City, making it the first professional football game to be held at the venue since it was built in 2019. This will be followed by UCFC hosting Stallion Laguna FC on November 5, with ticket sales for both matches going live this week

Through these matches, UCFC demonstrates its commitment to represent Region III and to raise Central Luzon’s banner on the national football scene. 

“To represent Central Luzon and bring football to the local community is a major step in the development of professional football in the country. Football is all about belonging, therefore our matches need to be played within the community we are representing, which is now Clark in Central Luzon,” stated UCFC President Eric M. Gottschalk in the presence of Philippines Football Federation General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes and Central Luzon Football Association President Alvin Yalung, during the signing of the MOU to seal the representation.  “We are proud to have access to the best sports venue in the Philippines when we host our home matches and we look forward to building our community and have our fans attending live matches at this beautiful stadium”. 

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa gave her warm welcome to UCFC, and extended BCDA’s commitment to give the best football experience to the teams playing in New Clark City and their fans. 

“World-class sports facilities, safe environment, and stunning views–New Clark City can offer all of these and more. We are excited that UCFC chose New Clark City Athletics Stadium as the venue for its matches, and we hope to bring pride to players who will be coming to play here,” Zosa said.

UCFC (previously known as Ceres Negros) joined the PFL as one of the founding teams of the professional league in 2017 and has since bagged the national championships four times (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) as well as the Copa Paulino Alcantara 2 times. 

This ongoing PFL Season, which will run until May 2023, UCFC is competing in a quadruple round robin format against six other Club, with the winner to qualify for the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League Group Stage in August next year. Coming off strong performances against main rival Kaya Iloilo FC, UCFC is the favorite to retain its league title this season. During the December - January winter break, UCFC will start setting-up its Clark based youth academy with different activities also scheduled to take place around the football stadium, before UCFC will kick-off regular team appearances in early 2023 with at least 6 more PFL home games scheduled at NCC.  

Certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the New Clark City Athletics Stadium has a 20,000-seating capacity with a nine-lane 400-meter track and field, and another four-lane warm-up track surrounding a natural grass pitch, suitable to host local, national and international football competitions to the highest PFF, AFC ad FIFA standards.  

The complex was nominated as among the world’s best stadiums in the Stadium of the Year Awards in 2020. The following year, the facility received the Highly Commended recognition from the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in the Completed Buildings - Sport Category, and was also shortlisted for the Engineering Prize of the same competition.

ABOUT UCFC: United City Football Club (UCFC) is a SEC registered Filipino professional football club company that aims to promote and build values such as equality, diversity, leadership through sports. 

UCFC is a member of the Philippines Football League (PFL), the Philippines' professional level of men's club football in the country and the official representative of the Central Luzon football association. UCFC, formerly known as Ceres-Negros before it changed its name in 2020, is currently the 4x defending national champion in the PFL and 2x winner of the Copa Paulino Alcantara. UCFC is also the 2x Philippines representative on the AFC Champions League group stage level (2021,2022), the biggest Asian football tournament.   

As a mission, the Club stands to help re-invigorate young athletes, families, and the local community through discipline, hard work, and passion. The ambition is further set the gold standard for best practices in SE Asia - be it on the football field, or within the community - and to provide a pathway and equal opportunities for the next generation of young talent in their pursuit of sporting & educational excellence.

UCFC is the most followed professional football club in the Philippines and the only club active on all major social media platforms. Its winning tradition and the ability to bring the best Filipino players to play for UCFC has gained the Club the reputation of being the foremost football club form the Philippines with strong reach into South East Asia and beyond

The Club recently announced its move to Central Luzon to start playing its home matches of the PFL at the world class facilities in New Clark City. 

Further, UCFC  has launched a dedicated 3rd playing kit to mark its move to New Clark City which will feature the orange colors of the Athletics stadium as well as permanent New Clark City branding on the right sleeve. The traditional home and away jerseys in black and gold are currently featuring the symbols of the Clark balloon festival. 

Future plans by UCFC evolve around setting-up the Clubs youth football academy and to build its own football-specific stadium

UCFC Logo meaning: 

The UCFC logo was chosen through a public fan voting and designed by Gerard Andaya of Grit Sports. The new UCFC logo features a circular crest not too different from its original identity of  to acknowledge the roots of the club in Bacolod.  With two (2) stars which pay tribute to the origins of the “Ceres–LaSalle” & “Ceres–Negros” heritage. The center of the logo is “Geometric patterned football” to represent that football is at the center of the club’s existence. The symmetry of the ball stands for “Unity & Stability. And the solid outer circle on the other hand symbolizes the solid fans, being the club’s foundation that holds everything together.  

Upcoming matches at New Clark City: 22 October vs ADT at 4:00pm & 5 November vs Stallion Laguna t 4:00pm; Ticket prices: Pesos: 200.00 grandstand; P150.00 Bleachers; Corporate hospitality and advertising opportunities, kindly inquire through the media officer.

Current UCFC Club Partners:

Allianz, New Clark City Chronos Athletics, Mysport, Klean Athlete, Sportskred

Visit here:www.unitedcityfootballclub

INVESTORS SUMMIT TO PROMOTE QC AS TOP BUSINESS DESTINATION

The highly-anticipated “Quezon City Investors Summit: Future Ready” will promote Quezon City as an ideal destination for investors and businesses as they continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The summit will put the spotlight on Quezon City as top business destination for local and international investors. We hope to attract many investors who can help further stimulate the economy and provide employment for QCitizens,” Mayor Belmonte said.

The event will engage investors, business leaders, business associations, chambers of commerce, foreign dignitaries, and Quezon City government officials in discussions on key areas for investments, public-private partnerships and opportunities for expansion and growth.

“Quezon City is future ready, ready for investors, ready to build a better and more prosperous city so that our QCitizens will be able to enjoy the resulting benefits,” said Margarita Santos, head of the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) of Quezon City.

Aside from its strategic location, Quezon City also has the homegrown QC E-Services platform that makes business processes such as permit and license applications easy for investors, according to Santos.

“The LGU has automated and digitized 95 percent of the city’s services through its QC E-Services platform. This means potential investors can apply for business permits online,” said Santos, adding that the “permit will even be delivered to the applicant’s business or home address free of charge.”

As a matter of principle, the Quezon City government constantly consults and coordinates with the business sector, which has enabled both sectors to build a relationship of mutual respect and support. “This continued dialogue with the private sector helps all stakeholders to address various challenges and issues, and to think up ways to create a free, fair and fertile business environment,” Perry Dominguez, head of the Local Economic Investment Promotions Office, points out.

The local government is known as an ardent supporter of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing them with incentives from tax breaks, tax payment extensions to changing the validity of business permits and licenses to help businesses especially during the pandemic.

Soon, Quezon City will launch its Start-Up QC program to further strengthen and develop the city’s start-up business ecosystem. “This program is calibrated to provide financial gains to innovative, creative and promising business models that can help provide solutions and recommendations to social issues and challenges,” Jay Gatmaitan, Investment Affairs Office head, explained.

The city’s commitment to good governance saw results when the Quezon City government received its second straight unqualified opinion from the Commission on Audit for its annual audit report for the year 2021. An unqualified opinion is the highest audit rating that can be rendered by COA to a government agency.

Recognized for its quality public service, Quezon City has increased its social services budget over the past three years, enabling the local government to provide livelihood opportunities and create more jobs, support education, and provide permanent housing, better healthcare and social safety nets, among others.

Earlier, Margie Santos, head of the summit’s organizing committee, said this gathering of business leaders aims to build investor confidence in Quezon City; generate investments and public-private partnerships and make Quezon City the top of mind preferred investment destination