Experts emphasize a Comprehensive Approach to Constitutional Change in the Philippines

Posted by Raffy Rico | Feb 11, 2024 |

Political experts gathered at a forum to discuss the pros and cons of changing the 1987 Constitution. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach rather than making piecemeal amendments. Dr. Clarita Carlos, a prominent political psychologist, highlighted the complexity of the issue, likening the constitution to a human being with multiple ailments. She cautioned against solely focusing on economic provisions, as this could face opposition from politicians. Dr. Carlos stressed the importance of properly explaining any proposed changes, whether it involves shifting to a parliamentary system or altering term limits. She emphasized the need for strategic communication to...

QC gears up for a 3-day Chinese New Year Celebration at Banawe Street

Posted by Raffy Rico | Feb 7, 2024 |

Quezon City is gearing up for its grandest celebration yet in honor of the Chinese New Year, set to take place from February 9th to 11th. Mayor Joy Belmonte, leading the initiative, announced that February 9th has been declared a “Special Non-working Day” by Malacañang, allowing residents and visitors alike to fully participate in the festivities. Mayor Belmonte highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing the city’s commitment to showcasing the rich Filipino-Chinese heritage, particularly in the renowned Banawe area. Banawe Street and its surroundings have been officially declared as Quezon City’s very own Chinatown district through City Ordinance...

“SEARCA and FPEmpresa Forge Partnership to Enhance Vocational Education in Southeast Asia”

Posted by Raffy Rico | Feb 4, 2024 |

Clockwise from top left: SEARCA Center Director Glenn Gregorio and FPEmpresa President and Board Member García Domínguez, SEARCA Deputy Director Joselito Florendo and FPEmpresa coordinator (Madrid and International) and Board Member Carlos de Olagüe Smithson, showed the signed MOU. SEARCA, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, and Spain’s FPEmpresa, a nonprofit association of vocational education and training (VET) centers, have joined forces in a five-year partnership. The collaboration aims to enhance vocational education and training in Southeast Asia. In a virtual signing ceremony on January 24, 2024, SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio and FPEmpresa...

Task Force Kasanag Spearheads the Launch of International Elite Group

Posted by Raffy Rico | Jan 30, 2024 |

Dr. John J. Chiong, President of Task Force Kasanag (TFK), spearheaded the formal launch and induction of the TFK International Elite Group at the historic Club Filipino in San Juan City. The event, attended by VIP guests and government officials, emphasized TFK’s commitment to serving the Filipino people. In his speech, Dr. Chiong outlined TFK’s advocacy, focusing on peace and development through community initiatives. He highlighted the organization’s mission and vision, currently in progress, with an emphasis on being an instrument of peace and order in the country. Cristina Chiong, Chairperson of TFK International Elite Group, emphasized the organization’s...

DOST Day Care Center Receives a Boost from National Bookstore Foundation

Posted by Raffy Rico | Jan 17, 2024 |

DOST Asec. Diana Ignacio (3rd from left) and NBS Foundation Director Bea Torres (middle) holding the design perspective of the DOST Day Care Center. With them are DOST-STII Director Richard Burgos (leftmost), DOST Usec. Sancho Mabborang (2nd from left), DOST Director Cesar Pedraza (rightmost) , and volunteers from Bayan Ni Juan. In a recent Kickoff Ceremony held at the DOST Day Care Center (DDCC) in Bicutan, Taguig City, Ms. Bea Torres, Director of the National Book Store (NBS) Foundation, announced a major partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The collaboration aims to transform the DDCC into...

SEARCA digital agri project reshapes farming in Liliw

Posted by Raffy Rico | Jan 13, 2024 |

In the scenic town of Liliw in Laguna, upland farmers are reaping the benefits of a transformative digital agriculture project initiated by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Studies and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in collaboration with AppGeese Inc., a socio-technoprise. Prior to their involvement in the SEARCA project, Liliw’s upland farmers, despite being part of the Liliw Upland Farmers Marketing Cooperative (LUFAMCO), operated independently, limiting their market to the local vicinity. However, since the project’s inception in 2020, the farmers have embraced a digital platform that has reshaped the way they market their diverse harvest, including...

Pasig City Launches Community Forum for Transparency and Allocates P3 Billion for Healthcare

Posted by Raffy Rico | Jan 13, 2024 |

In a significant move towards transparency and community involvement, Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, along with the Pasig City Council, has initiated the Talakayan sa Barangay series. This initiative, aimed at promoting community empowerment, seeks to address the everyday issues faced by Pasig residents at the grassroots level. The inaugural session of the Talakayan sa Barangay series took place in Barangay San Miguel, marking the beginning of weekly consultations across Pasig City’s 30 barangays. Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski declared a commitment to ending corruption in Pasig, emphasizing that public funds are now directed towards delivering essential services for the benefit...

Challenges and Opportunities in Southeast Asia’s Agriculture Sector

Posted by Raffy Rico | Jan 6, 2024 |

The agriculture sector in Southeast Asia (SEA) plays a pivotal role in driving the region’s socioeconomic transformation, as highlighted by studies in the December 2023 edition of the Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD). However, these studies also bring attention to the sector’s exposure to risks and challenges. In a paper titled “Back in the Soup: Now What?”, food security expert C. Peter Timmer explores the outlook of the global rice market. Timmer addresses concerns about a potential rice crisis due to attacks on Ukraine’s food export infrastructure and the onset of a severe El Niño in Asian...

Enchanted Kingdom (EK) received notable recognition

Posted by Raffy Rico | Jan 5, 2024 |

Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the Philippines’ premier theme park, has received notable recognition from various government agencies, solidifying its position as a world-class entertainment destination in Asia and a leader in family leisure. In the first semester of 2023, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) acknowledged EK as the second-highest Value Added Tax contributor in the Biñan – West Laguna District, emphasizing the company’s commitment to timely and accurate tax payments. Melissa Y. Monicayo, EK’s Chief Financial Officer, highlighted the company’s dedication to fulfilling its tax obligations as a means of contributing to the community and supporting the region’s progress....

Dispute Over Creek Encroachment Raises Concerns and Calls for Urgent Government Action

Posted by Raffy Rico | Dec 24, 2023 |

In a longstanding dispute over the encroachment of Baloc-Baloc Creek in Barangay Don Bosco, Parañaque City, resort owner Selwyn Lao has sought the intervention of government agencies to address the issue. Lao, who owns a one-hectare lot at Multinational Village, claims that a subdivision project linked to Sen. Villar’s family, has encroached upon his property, causing significant damage. .Lao’s plea for resolution dates back to May 18, 2015, when he wrote to Sen. Villar, offering a conciliatory solution to settle the matter. However, he alleges that the senator failed to act on his request. Lao, a civil engineer, provided...

Author: Raffy Rico