PHILIPPINES, MALAYSIA AGREE TO DEVELOP BARMM, HALAL INDUSTRY

MANILA — The Philippines and Malaysia on Wednesday agreed to lead bilateral efforts in developing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the halal sector, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said had the potential to grow into a "trillion-dollar industry."

The agreements were made following bilateral talks between Marcos and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as part of the Philippine leader's 3-day state visit to the Southeast Asian country.

"Building on our bilateral relations, our governments commit to closely coordinate efforts to build capacity in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, especially on sectors such as the halal industry, Islamic banking, and food security," Marcos said in a joint press conference with Anwar Wednesday afternoon.

"Malaysia has warmly offered their expertise to train Philippine personnel and officials to strengthen our capabilities in these increasingly important sectors," he added.

Marcos also said he and Anwar agreed to enhance the Philippines' and Malaysia's trade and investment ties in a bid to boost the "halal ecosystems" of both countries, especially as Malaysia is considered one of the world's largest halal economies.

Cooperation in the halal industry, together with Islamic banking, are also among the issues that the two Southeast Asian countries are expected to tackle during the next Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), which Marcos said would be held "sometime in October."

The JCM, the President said, would provide Philippine and Malaysian government agencies "an avenue to discuss priority cooperation in detail, most especially in the areas of transnational crimes, agriculture, halal industry, Islamic banking, education, tourism, and culture, sports, and the digital economy."

"We continue to work on the corresponding [memorandums of understanding] in these fields and we'll have them signed in the near future," he said.

For his part, Anwar vowed that Malaysia would do its "utmost" in terms of halal certifications.

NSC VOWS TO ASSERT PH RIGHTS ON WPS

The National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday gave assurance it fully supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in upholding the country’s sovereign rights and territorial integrity.

“We join the President in his declaration that the Philippine government will continue to uphold its sovereign rights and preserve our nation’s territorial integrity. Guided by the President, the National Task Force – West Philippine Sea will underscore the importance of unity and social cohesion among the Filipino people, assuring them that the government will not lose any of its territory,” National Security adviser Eduardo Año said in a statement.

“Our position is clear: The award is final and indisputable. And we firmly reject attempts to undermine it but guided by the President, we will always pursue constant dialogue and diplomatic approaches with other claimants towards the resolution of any issue that may arise,” he said.

The NSC also said they support the Chief Executive’s directive to relentlessly continue the fight against illegal drugs, as well as the arrest and prosecution of smugglers and hoarders.

“Towards this end, the National Intelligence and Coordinating Agency will provide actionable intelligence to law enforcement agencies to ensure that the days of these drug syndicates, hoarders and smugglers are numbered,” he added.

Año hailed the President’s commitment to strengthening and modernizing the police and armed forces.

DFA TO ISSUE E-VISA FOR CHINESE VISITORS FROM AUGUST 24

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will soft launch the e-visa system in its 7 foreign service posts in China from August 24.

This is in keeping with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directives to facilitate ease in doing business and revitalize the country’s tourism sector, according to Undersecretary Jesus Domingo.

“The e-visa system is part of the DFA’s strategic goal of optimizing ICT (information and communications technology) for its consular services and is in line with the President’s emphasis to embrace digitalization in the government’s transaction in his State of the Nation Address last Monday,” said Domingo.

“The issuance of e-visas is also aimed at supporting the thrust of the Department of Tourism, lead by Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco in augmenting tourism arrivals,” he said.

From August 24, Chinese nationals wishing to visit the Philippines may either visit the website visa.e.gov.ph or download an app. They will be required to create an account before proceeding with the e-visa application.

1 DEAD, SEVERAL DISPLACED

Typhoon “Egay” (international name Doksuri) pounded the northern Philippines on Wednesday, killing at least one person, toppling trees, knocking out power and dumping heavy rain that caused flash floods and landslides as thousands sheltered with neighbors or in emergency evacuation centers.

Egay was packing maximum sustained wind speeds of 175 kilometers an hour as it hovered over waters around Dalupiri Island, off the northern tip of Luzon, the state weather agency said in its latest update at 11 a.m.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of “violent, life-threatening conditions” as severe winds and heavy rain pounded the lightly populated region.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is in Malaysia for a three-day visit, assured the public that the government will do its best to provide aid to people affected by Egay as it made landfall in Aparri on Wednesday. He added that about P173 million worth of assistance,food, and non-food items, is on standby and ready to be delivered to those in need.

Search, rescue and retrieval personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard are also ready to provide help, he also said.

About 12,000 people were evacuated from their homes in Cagayan province, including 431 in the Babuyan islands, following warnings of three-meter storm surges, Cagayan provincial disaster official Ruelie Rapsing said.

Flooding has also been reported in the coastal municipalities of Lallo, Pamplona and Claveria.

About 1,500 people were also evacuated from coastal communities in neighboring Isabela, Foronda said.

TYPHOON EGAY OUT OF PHILIPPINE AREA; ANOTHER CYCLONE MAY BRING MORE RAINS

MANILA — Typhoon Egay left the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday morning after pounding northern parts of the country, the state weather bureau said, as another tropical cyclone threatened to stir more rains.

Egay left PAR at 8 a.m. and was on its way to the Taiwan Strait and China. At 10 a.m., Egay was estimated at 255 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near the center and 185 kph gusts, PAGASA said.

In the next 3 days, the habagat enhanced by Egay would continue to bring occasional to monsoon rains over the western portions of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon, the weather agency said.

It kept wind signal 2 raised over Batanes, the northwestern portion of Cagayan (Claveria, Santa Praxedes) including Babuyan Islands, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Adams, Bangui, Dumalneg, Burgos).

Structures made of light materials could be partially damaged or unroofed in these areas, while most banana plants and some trees could be broken, PAGASA said.

SOME MAJOR ROADS IN METRO MANILA STILL FLOODED AFTER EGAY

Some major roads in Metro Manila are still submerged in flood as Typhoon Egay continues to bring heavy rains in the country’s capital region.

In Valenzuela City, heavy downpour triggered gutter deep floods in the same reported areas yesterday particularly in G. Lazaro Street, Arkong Bato, Daladanan, and Mac arthur hi-way.

Meanwhile, floods estimated to be 3-5 inches deep were recorded along C3 road and Dagat-Dagatan road in Malabon City.

No floods were recorded in Caloocan and Quezon City but both cities were battered with strong winds and moderate to heavy rains overnight.

All affected areas are still passable to all kinds of vehicles. The floods have not affected the flow of traffic as of posting.

PAGASA earlier lifted the typhoon wind signal warning in Metro Manila but is still advising everyone to prepare for possible floods especially in low lying areas due to occasional rains expected throughout the day.

SECOND ALARM UP AS MARIKINA RIVER WATER LEVEL HITS 16 METERS

MANILA — The water level at the Marikina River reached the second alarm on Thursday morning amid the heavy downpour enhanced by Typhoon Egay (international name: Doksuri).

As of 11:11 a.m., Marikina Public Information Office announced that the water level of the river hit 16.0 meters.

Under the second alarm, residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas will be evacuated.

Once the water level reaches the third alarm or the 18-meter mark, authorities are expected to implement a forced evacuation of residents affected by the flood.

The Marikina City government said the river’s water level first hit the 15-meter mark or the first alarm at around 5:38 a.m., advising residents of potential evacuation.

In its latest update, Marikina PIO said Manggahan floodgates are open.

DENR AGENCY SET TO RELEASE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

The newly-created Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to release an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan that will account for all water resources in the country and set directions on optimizing the use of existing supply through impoundment, treatment, and recycling.

The move is part of the DENR’s efforts to improve the country’s water supply situation, amid lingering shortage concerns over El Niño and growing population demand.

The WRMO, the DENR said, will work with other government agencies and the private sector to identify potential sources of surface water for over 1,400 barangays at higher risk of dry spells.

“The solution to our problems starts with fixing the disconnected and fragmented management of water by more than a dozen agencies of government,” said Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga.

The official also noted that aside from the DENR, several other government agencies and other entities are involved in managing water resources for a variety of uses such as power generation, irrigation and household distribution.

WARRANTLESS ARREST VS. POLL VIOLATORS SOUGHT

The Commission on Elections will submit a draft bill to Congress that would allow authorities to arrest election violators without securing a warrant of arrest.

Comelec chairperson George Garcia said there is a need to strengthen the poll regulator’s authority to arrest those who violate election laws, particularly those who have multiple registrations and those who are involved in vote-buying and vote-selling.

He said the Comelec will submit the 964-page draft bill proposing the revision of the entire Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

“There are draft bills already in the Senate and the House of Representatives, but the Comelec’s version had incorporated all the proposed revisions to the OEC. Ours is a compilation. We will submit it before the end of the year,” he added.

Among the provisions in the OEC that should be revised is the prohibition of arrests during the campaign period, Garcia said.

Another OEC provision in the proposed amendment repeals a provision in the 1987 Constitution prohibiting warrantless arrests.

THE REST

========

PHILIPPINES' 'BIGGEST HOTEL' TO OPEN BY END OF 2023

MANILA — Real estate company Megaworld is planning to open by end-2023 its 19-storey, two-tower Grand Westside Hotel, eyed as the Philippines' biggest hotel development when it accepts guests.

Grand Westside Hotel, to be located in the 31-hectare Westside City township of Parañaque's Entertainment City, will have 1,530 rooms across its two towers, hence its potential "biggest" moniker in terms of room key count.

The hotel will feature Queen, Twin, and Executive Suites (all of them up to 48 square meters) while specially-abled guests will be able to stay in Twin Suites (35 square meters) and Queen Suites (37 square meters) designed specifically for their use.

The hotel’s exterior is inspired by waves forming as they appraoch the shore through undulating and sweeping lines enveloping the structure. The high-ceiling lobby, meanwhile, will have a contemporary design through the use of wood, stone, metal, leather, and other natural elements.

The hotel will have on its fifth floor amenities including a pool overlooking Manila Bay, a children’s pool, a gazebo, a Zen garden, an an outdoor seating area filled with different flora.

Three of the four planned function rooms, also on the fifth floor, can be combined to host events up to 300 people. Also, indoors, there will be the fitness gym and massage rooms.

"Once it opens, Grand Westside Hotel will become the biggest hotel property in our portfolio and in the entire country to date... and promises to delight guests with wonderful views of the world-famous Manila Bay sunset as well as the skylines of Makati, Manila, and Taguig City," said Megaworld Hotels & Resorts managing director Cleofe Albiso.

The hotel's first tower will open sometime later this year while the second tower will open next year. The hotel will be Megaworld's 19th hotel property and the second after Kingsford Hotel Manila to be located in Westside City, which the real estate company has invested around P64 billion in.

AMNESTY FOR REBELS A 'GAME CHANGER' IN ENDING INSURGENCY: AÑO

MANILA - Offering amnesty for communist rebels can be a game changer towards the goal of achieving lasting peace in the country, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Wednesday.

According to Año, the government is in the "final phase of victory" to end the decades long communist insurgency in the country.

Under the amnesty program, cases filed against members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) will be cancelled, as long as they have not yet been convicted.

"Right now we are already in the final phase of our strategy of victory to end the communist armed conflict," Año said. "Pero meron pa ring tinatawag na missing ingredient, and this is amnesty."

"Kasi there are a lot of rebels in the mountains. We have a lot of worries or agam-agam kasi papaano naman yung kaso nila. Now with the amnesty, they’ll be given a clean slate, they’ll be given a new start," he added.

"So when they return to the mainstream, wala silang kaso and they will be given a fresh start and contribute to the nation building. Sa tingin ko yun lang talaga ang kulang - yung amnesty aspect nung ating whole of nation approach."

The amnesty will not apply to those who have already been convicted, Año clarified.

Año said the government is hoping to convince around 1,800 CPP-NPA members to avail of the amnesty.

He also said the government will be giving the rebels time for the amnesty proclamation, adding that the amnesty program is a "game changer" in ending the communist insurgency in the country.

FIL-AM ACTIVISTS RAISE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS' CONCERNS IN 'PEOPLE'S SONA'

Filipino-American activists took to the streets across 10 U.S. cities as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his second State of the Nation Address.

In Los Angeles, over a hundred activists gathered in Koreatown and marched to the Philippine consulate, bringing with them a six-foot tall effigy of the President.

Groups held what they called a "People's SONA" where they called for increased awareness on issues overseas Filipinos face. They also called for an end to the economic suffering of Filipinos.

The activists said that the economic conditions at home continue to force many to migrate to other countries.

This, they added, subject Filipinos abroad to poor working conditions, as well as anti-Asian hate crimes, just to provide for their families.

"Up until now, the separation of families continues," said Diane Mediano of Migrante South Bay. "The answer to [the problem] of jobs in the Philippines is not outside. There are a lot of OFWs being abused."

Activists said that they have been looking out for each other to cope amid various issues, from Asian hate to immigration, and labor problems.

"Many Filipino organizations continue to show the Bayanihan spirit with each other," said Karen Roxas of NAFCON, "to unite as people in the biggest and smallest possible ways, to voice out these issues in our community and to come out for positive change."

Actions with similar themes took place in other cities including in San Diego. There, activists marched to National City's Plaza Boulevard, a heavily Filipino populated neighborhood.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

LANI MISALUCHA, GAB VALENCIANO PERFORM IN MISSISSAUGA FESTIVAL

The Filipino community in Mississauga recently gathered for a two-day celebration at the highly anticipated annual Philippine Festival.

This year's festival  is one of Ontario's largest gatherings of Filipinos with more than 50,000 attendees. 

The event featured performances by internationally acclaimed performers Gab Valenciano, and "Asia's Nightingale" Lani Misalucha, who left the crowd in awe.

Festival goers also danced and sang along with Valenciano, who, like his father Gary, is known for his exceptional dance moves.

"It's a reminder of home," said Valenciano. "One of the things I enjoy the most is when Filipinos gather together. It reminds you of your loved ones, your culture."

Misalucha, meanwhile, captivated the crowd with her powerful voice and she belted out a rock song.

"It's always a good time together," she said. "The feelings and love are always there. Since they are always ready to embrace me, I can actually live here."

The festival also provided a platform for the youth to shine through traditional and modern performances.

Visitors also had their pick of a variety of mouthwatering Filipino food sold at the festival grounds.

Angelica Escalona, the Philippine consul general in Toronto, stressed that gatherings like these are important to foster a strong sense of identity and appreciation for Filipino culture.

"In a multicultural country like Canada, identity is important," she said. "This is a way for us to connect with our culture and strengthen the Filipino identity."

Organizers expressed appreciation for the support of their fellow Filipinos, and for the help given by iWantTFC.

"We are grateful to TFC for providing us with top-tier artists like Lani Misalucha and the bonus of having Gab Valenciano," said Tom de Guida of the organizing committee. "We want to bring joy to our fellow Filipinos. It's not about the money. In fact, we are all volunteers."

Organizers are already planning for next year's event to bring Filipinos more joy, camaraderie, and to keep the Filipino culture alive.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 54.62

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

In order to realize our true self we must be willing to live without being dependent upon the opinion of others. - Bruce Lee