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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas unveil Philippines First Polymer Banknote Series

December 19, 2024

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has officially unveil the country’s first polymer banknote series. The new polymer banknote series will include denominations of ₱500, ₱P100 and ₱50, which will enter circulation in the first quarter of 2025.

BPS explained that the new Polymer Banknote Series will feature “country’s heroes and natural wonders, the polymer series highlights the Philippines’ rich biodiversity.”

BSP emphasizes the practical benefits of polymer banknotes, including enhanced resistance to counterfeiting and improved durability. These features ensure that the new notes are not only aesthetically significant but also cost-efficient and secure.

You can watch this 3:30 mins video (below) on the features of the new polymer banknote series;

The ceremony was lead by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace.

Third impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte

December 19, 2024

Fr. Joselito Sarabia explains why they filed the impeachment.

Here’s the official statement of House Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco on the second impeachment complaint filed against VP Sara Duterte;

The filing of impeachment complaints underscores the seriousness of the allegations and highlights the vital role of Congress in upholding transparency and accountability in government. The House is committed to performing its Constitutional duty with fairness, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law.

As for the first impeachment complaint, you can read this article from Rappler.com, it also embed the entirety of the complaint;

The document listed four grounds for her removal in office, each with their own articles for impeachment.

Among the issues raised against her are her supposed failure to account for the public funds she oversaw as head of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, her alleged ill-gotten wealth, her inaction during the onslaught of a super typhoon in the Philippines, her silence during instances of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, and her supposed public threats against top officials, among others.

You can also read this PNA article regarding the first impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

‘Every Filipino life is worth saving’: How PNoy stopped Mary Jane Veloso’s execution in 2015

December 18, 2024

‘EVERY FILIPINO LIFE IS WORTH SAVING’

Former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras reveals how the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III went to extraordinary lengths to save Mary Jane Velos just hours before her scheduled execution in 2015. #AtTheForefront

Just in case people forget or have amensia, this is where the foundation was formed that made it possible for Mary Jane Veloso to return home to the Philippines.

Apple to open its first retail store in Saudi Arabia

December 9, 2024

Apple announced plans to expand in Saudi Arabia, starting with the launch of an online store in summer 2025 and opening physical stores in 2026, including a flagship location in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The expansion includes existing investments in the country, including the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, which opened in Riyadh in 2021 in partnership with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tuwaiq Academy, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The program has trained nearly 2,000 aspiring feamale coders, designers, and entrepreneurs. Apple hosted the country’s first coed Apple Foundation Program. A monthlong course for students from across the country to learn the fundamentals of coding and app development, with a focus on gaming. Apple plans to further expand the coed Foundation offerings, with the next cohort planned for spring 2025.

Apple has emphasizes its commitment to Saudi Arabia, highlighting investments, job creation, and the growth of the app economy, with developer earnings increasing up over 1,750 percent since 2019. Apple Pay is also gaining traction in the country, with Riyadh being the first city in the Middle East to offer Express Mode for transit payments.

Philippines and Saudi Arabia Launch New Job Category for OFW

December 8, 2024

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has released guidelines for a new job category for Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia: Residential Support Worker/Cleaner. This development follows initial discussions between former DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople and Saudi Minister of Human Resource and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, aiming to open up employment opportunities while prioritizing the protection of Filipino Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Key Differences from Domestic Work:

  • Skilled Visa: Residential support workers will be issued a skilled visa, unlike domestic workers.
  • Direct Employment with MRCs: Instead of working for individual households, they will be directly employed by Mega Recruitment Companies (MRCs).
  • Focus on Residential Cleaning: Their primary responsibility will be to maintain the cleanliness of residential areas, excluding childcare or personal care for employers.

Benefits and Protections:

  • Competitive Salary and Allowances: Workers will receive a monthly salary of 1,500 Saudi Riyals (SAR) plus a 500 SAR food allowance. Overtime pay will be provided for work exceeding eight hours per day as per Saudi law.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: MRC employers will provide accommodation, transportation, and health insurance for the workers.
  • No Placement Fees: MRCs are prohibited from charging placement fees to the workers.
  • Wage Increases and Reviews: Wages will automatically increase with any new minimum wage policies issued by DMW or the Saudi government and will be reviewed annually.
  • Protection Against Domestic Work: The guidelines explicitly prohibit workers from being assigned to domestic work duties.
  • Welfare Desk Officer: MRC employers must designate a welfare desk officer to monitor the workers’ conditions and address any employment-related issues.

Reduced Risks and Improved Welfare:
Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan emphasized that this new framework aims to minimize labor complaints, welfare cases, and exit visa problems by streamlining the employer-employee relationship.

Continuous Expansion of Employment Opportunities:
Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac assured that the DMW, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development, will continue to expand employment opportunities for Filipino workers in various sectors.

This new job category for Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia represents a significant step towards ensuring safe and dignified employment for OFWs while meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in the Kingdom.

You can read the full text of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Memo# here.

DFA implementing Philippine e-Visa system in India.

November 28, 2024

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has launched its e-Visa system for Indian nationals. Indian nationals may apply for e-Visas remotely by visiting the official website (evisa.gov.ph) and paying e-Visa fees online via direct bank transfer in a secure manner. This follows a successful trial period and aims to improve user experience. The soft launching and beta testing was done in August 2023.

Over 7,000 Indians have already used the system with positive feedback. The applicants were able to navigate the e-Visa system with general ease and reported positive feedback for its convenience, user-friendliness, and reliability.

Philippine e-Visa System is part of the Philippines’ digital transformation plan mentioned during the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 22 July 2024.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurated the Riyadh Metro

November 28, 2024

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the Riyadh Metro, a major public transport project in Saudi Arabia. The metro network spans 176 kilometers across 6 lines and 85 stations. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud expressed gratitude to the King for his support and visionary leadership.

Riyadh Metro will initially open 3 lines by December 1st, then another 2 line on the 15th of December and the remaining line on the first week of January.

December 1, 2024

  • Line 1 – Blue
  • Line 4 – Gold/Yellow
  • Line 6 – Purple

December 15, 2024

  • Line 2 – Red
  • Line 5 – Green

January 5, 2024

  • Line 3 – Orange

The project was launched following comprehensive studies on Riyadh’s public transport needs and is designed to meet the city’s current and future mobility requirements. The Riyadh Metro is expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.

Source: SPA, RCRC

Apple Mac Mini M4 Now Available in Jarir

November 12, 2024

You can now get your Apple Mac Mini M4 from Jarir and below are the pricelist.

M4 Processor (10-core CPU and 10-core GPU

  • 16GB RAM + 256GB Storage – SR2,799
  • 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage – SR3,749
  • 24GB RAM + 512GB Storage – SR4,699

M4 Pro Processor (12-core CPU and 16-core GPU)

  • 24GB RAM + 512GB Storage – SR6,699

Announced last month, the Mac Mini is one of the cheapest Macs that you can buy and the base model M4, 16GB RAM and 256GB Storage is probably the best deal for a new Mac.

Specs of Mac Mini with M4 chips;

  • Dimesnion (DxWxH): 5.0 inches x 5.0 inches x 2.0 inches
  • Processor: M4, M4 Pro
  • 16GB unified RAM, configurable up to 64GB
  • 256GB SSD, configurable up to 8TB
  • Built-in speaker
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack with advanced support for high-impedance headphones
  • HDMI port
  • Two USB-C ports with support for USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s)
  • Thunderbolt 4/Thunderbolt 5 ports
  • USB 4
  • Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • DisplayPort
  • Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet Connectivity
  • Weight:
    • M4 – 1.5 pounds (0.67 kg)
    • M4 Pro- 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg)

Price for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y

November 9, 2024

Now that Tesla has opened its doors in the country, car buyers will surely have Tesla as their first option, specially if you compare its price with the Chinese brand EVs.

You can go to the Tesla Philippines website if you want to order your own Tesla. I personally would be getting the Long Range (AWD) variant of the Model Y.

via All Things EV;

Just like in other countries, you can order your own Tesla directly online, the company rarely sell thru a distributor or a reseller.

The Model 3 is the EV sedan, while the Model Y is the crossover EV that features the iconic “falcon-wing doors.” Both model will be available in 3 variant; the Rear–Wheel Drive, Long Range AWD and Performance AWD.

The base model for the Model 3 (RWD) will have an estimated range of 513kn, top speed of 201 km/h and with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.21 secs.

Model 3

  • Rear–Wheel Drive – ₱2,109,000
  • Long Range (AWD) – ₱2,489,000
  • Performance (AWD) – ₱3,099,000

The base model for the Model Y (RWD) on the other hand will have an estimated range of 455km, top speed of 217km/h and with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.9 secs.

Model Y

  • Rear–Wheel Drive – ₱2,369,000
  • Long Range (AWD) – ₱2,689,000
  • Performance (AWD) – ₱3,299,000

Breaking – Donald Trump Wins 2024 US Presidential Election

November 6, 2024

It was an overwhelming win by Donald Trump, as he win the 2024 US Presidential Election over VP Kamala Harris. Donald Trump received 277 electoral votes (71,177,549 vote) compare to the 224 electoral votes (66,247,919 votes) for Kamala Harris.

Associated Press;

Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.

President Elect Donald Trump will return to the Oval Office after the inauguration ceremony this coming Jan. 20th, 2025. The ceremony will take place at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C.

via CNBC, Donald Trump will be the 45th and the 47th President of the United States of America. At 78 years old, Trump is the oldest person to ever to win a U.S. presidential election. This will be an interesting, to say the least, since he take office while facing criminal charges in multiple active federal and state cases.

President Bongbong Marcos Congratulates Donald Trump for winning the 2024 US President Elections

November 6, 2024

President Bongbong Marcos congratulates Republican candidate Donald Trump on his projected win in the 2024 US President Elections.

Donald Trump is just three electoral votes away from being next President of the United States and return back to the Oval Office.

Here’s the full text of PBBM message;

President Trump has won, and the American people have triumphed. I congratulate them on their victory in an exercise that showed the world the strength of American values.

We look forward to working with President Trump on a wide range of issues that will yield mutual benefits for two nations with deep ties, shared beliefs, a common vision, and a long history of working together.

I am hopeful that this unshakeable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force for good, blazing a path of prosperity and amity in the region and on both sides of the Pacific.

This is a durable partnership to which the Philippines is fully committed, because it is founded on the ideals we share: freedom and democracy.

I have personally met President Trump as a young man, so I know that his robust leadership will result in a better future for all of us.

Congratulations, President Trump!

Jollibee to acquire Tim Ho Wan for ₱892.29M

November 6, 2024

Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) to acquire full ownership and control of Tim Ho Wan, a Hong Kong-based dim sum restaurant.

In an article on BusinessWorld, the deal to acquire Tim Ho Wan is worth S$20.2 million or around ₱892.29 million, which is only for the remaining 8% participating interest held by the other investors in Tim Ho Wan (Titan Dining LP).

Before this transaction, Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL), already owns 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, since January 2024.

Once done, the ownership and management of Tim Ho Wan (Titan Dining LP) will transfer to Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL), the fast-food operator said in a statement to the stock exchange on Tuesday. Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC).

Orignated in Hong Kong, Tim Ho Wan, has around 80 stores across 11 countries and will be the Jollibee group’s flagship brand for high-end Chinese cuisine market.

Aside from Tim Ho Wan, Jollibee Foods Corps, also have other Chinese-Style Resto brands under its umbrella like Chow King, Panda Express, Hong Zhuang Yuan and Yonghe King.

Indonesia has banned the sales of Google Pixel

November 4, 2024

The Indonesian government has banned the sales of Google Pixel in the country even though they are not officially distributed in the country.

The banned was made because Google has not met the rules that requires smartphone sold locally should contain at least 40% of the parts made domestically.

“We are pushing these rules so that there’s fairness for all investors in Indonesia,” Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, industry ministry spokesperson, said on Thursday. “Google’s products have not adhered to the scheme we set, so they can’t be sold here.”

The ban for the Google Pixel comes a week after the country blocked Apple from selling the new iPhone 16 locally due to the same content rules.

Source: Yugatech, Reuters

Indiana Fever announces Stephanie White as new Head Coach

November 2, 2024

Five days after parting ways with Christie Sides, the Indiana Fever announces that their new Head Coach will be Stephanie White.

She will inherit an up and coming Indiana Fever, lead by Caitlin Clark and last year’s Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston.

An Indiana native, Stephanie White earn the moniker Indiana Miss Basketball at Seeger High School in West Lebanon, then in college while in Purdue, led the Boilermakers to the 1999 NCAA National Championship.

Stephanie White spent five seasons in the WNBA, the majority with the Fever, joining the team for their inaugural season in 2000. Her contributions to the franchise are significant, as she ranks among the top 20 in games played, assists, steals, and three-point field goals made.

Stephanie White is a seasoned WNBA coach, spending 17 seasons of experience as a player and coach in the league. She previously led the Indiana Fever, guiding them to the 2015 WNBA Finals and the 2016 playoffs. Her coaching journey also includes assistant roles with the Fever, Chicago Sky, and various collegiate teams, highlighting her diverse experience and strategic acumen.

In addition to their announcement, the Indiana Fever release a tribute video of Stephanie White’s basketball career.

New iMac now available for Pre-order in Jarir in Saudi Arabia

November 1, 2024

he new iMac is now available for pre-order in Jarir.

Below are the pricing;

  • M4 (8-Core CPU/GPU) + 16GB RAM + 256GB Storage – SR5,999.00
  • M4 (10-Core CPU/GPU) + 16GB RAM + 256GB Storage – SR6,949.00
  • M4 (10-Core CPU/GPU) + 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage – SR7,899.00
  • M4 (10-Core CPU/GPU) + 24GB RAM + 512GB Storage – SR8,849.00

    • Pre-order period will be from October 30th until November 8th, 2024 (or while supply last). Shipping and collection will then start between November 8th at 4:00 PM to November 16th, 2024. Unfortunately, the new iMac from Jarir is not configurable.

    New iMac: Blue

    Apple officially announced the new iMac with the new M4 chip last Monday, Oct. 28th.

    Here are the key specs of the new iMac;

    • 24-inches 4.5K Retina display (4480 X 2520) , an optional nano-texture display
    • M4 chip (8-core CPU/8-Core GPU, 10-Core CPU /10-Core GPU)
    • macOS Sequoia
    • Apple Intelligence
    • 12MP Center Stage web camera
    • up to 32 GB of RAM
    • up to 2 TB of storage
    • High-fidelity Six-speaker System, Support for Spatial Audio
    • up to 4X Thunderbolt 4
    • Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
    • Colors: Blue, Purple, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green and Silver.
    • Dimension (WxHxD): 54.70 cm x 46.10cm x 14.70cm

    290 Overseas Filipinos have returned home safely from Lebanon – DMW

    October 28, 2024

    Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced that “a total of 290 overseas Filipinos from Lebanon have returned home safely via Philippine-government chartered flight landed today, October 26, 2024 at 3:03pm at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City.”

    This is the largest batch of repatriates that is composed of 233 OFW with 13 dependents, and 21 Filipinos with 23 dependents. The returning Filipinos were accompanied by MWO Attaché to Alkhobar, Hector B. Cruz, Jr. from Beirut to Manila.

    The repatriation of this batch brings to a total of 903 OFWs and 47 dependents from Lebanon who have been repatriated through the Government’s voluntary repatriation program, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

    Last batch of OFW crew members of the the M/V Minoan Courage which was attacked by Houthi Rebels now back in the Philippines

    October 23, 2024

    DMW – Ten Filipino crew members from the M/V Minoan Courage safely returned to the Philippines on October 23, 2024. They were the last group of 21 Filipino seafarers aboard the Greek bulker that was attacked in the Red Sea on October 1. The previous groups of 11 seafarers returned on October 9 and October 13.

    The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) worked together with the manning agency and the shipowner to bring the seafarers home. The agency provided hotel accommodations for the repatriates while they await psychiatric evaluations.

    DMW and OWWA will provide assistance to the seafarers, including through the DMW AKSYON Fund. DMW Seabased Accreditation Bureau Director Augusto San Diego III, OWWA Director Falconi Millar, and manning agency representatives welcomed the seafarers upon their arrival.

    via @dmw.gov.ph

    BYD Cars Philippines opens its first dealership in Central Luzon

    October 22, 2024

    BYD Philippines just opened its first dealership store in Pampanga. BYD Pampanga is located along the Olongapo Gapan Road in the City of San Fernando, Capital of the province of Pampanga, the 4,000sqm facility is a showroom, test drive and service center rolled into one.

    BYD Pampanga also has 3 charging stations, an ideal for those travelling in their BYD EVs then passing Central Luzon. The EV chargers of varies in capacity (7kW AC, 22kW AC, and 60kW DC) to cater to each customer’s charging needs.

    For more information, you can go to their official FB page @bydpampanga or website BY Pampanga

    BYD Pampanga is one of the 24 facilities nationwide that BYD Philippines plans to open by the end of 2024.

    This article was originally published on allthingsev.net as BYD Cars Philippines opens its first dealership in Central Luzon.

    76 more OFW arrived from Lebanon who – DMW

    October 21, 2024

    Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announce that seventy-six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with two dependents from Lebanon arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Sunday, October 20, 2024, aboard Emirates EK 334.

    This batch of repatriation brings the total number of 636 OFWs and 32 dependents from Lebanon who have been repatriated under the government’s voluntary repatriation program.

    Department of Foreign Affairs’ Level 3 travel advisory for Lebanon still stands even though the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated after “Hezbollah confirmed that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been killed in an Israeli air strike on residential buildings in Beirut.”

    DFA’s Level 3 travel advisory means repatriation is still voluntary for all OFW in the country.

    Source: @dmw.gov.ph

    Riyadh City as Seen on Space

    October 19, 2024

    European Space Agency;

    Situated in the central region of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh serves as the nation’s legislative, financial, administrative, diplomatic and commercial hub, home to over seven million inhabitants.

    Covering an area of around 1550 sq km, the city sits at approximately 600 m above sea level on the eastern part of the Najd plateau in the Arabian Peninsula. Like much of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has a desert climate with extreme summer temperatures that can reach up to 50°C.

    The image prominently features the city’s grid-like street system, which consists of square blocks measuring around two km one each side, forming an extensive network across the urban landscape.

    Earth from Space: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    It’s hard to get lost when you know that you will always end up on same road if you keep turning right. Also, as beautiful as this picture, the photo of Riyadh at night that NASA released in 2012 is much dramatic and detailed.

    PRC announces the October 2024 Physicians Licensure Examination Results

    October 19, 2024

    The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) just release the result for the October 2024 Physicians Licensure Examination. Out of the 6600 examinee, 3845 passed the board exam, a 58.26% passing rate. PRC also said that they will release the result this Monday, October 21, 2024.

    Top performing Schools with more than 100 examinees with at least 80% Passing rate;

    1. UP Manila – 96.97% Passing rate
    2. Cebu Institute of Medicine – 95.31% Passing rate
    3. St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Med – William H. Quasha Mem. Inc. – 95.19% Passing rate
    4. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – 95.16% Passing rate
    5. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Mem Medical Center – 92.92% Passing rate
    6. UST – 89.29% Passing rate
    7. West Visayas State University – La Paz – 87.00% Passing rate
    8. Ateneoi School of Medicine and Public Health – 86.18% Passing rate
    9. Saint Louis Univerity – 83.23% Passing rate

    Top 10 Examinees in the October 2024 Physicians Licensure Examination;

    1. Isaac Edron Jones Orig – Davao Medical School Foundation – 89.33%
    2. Rolter Lorenz Mispenas Lee – University of Santo Tomas – 89.25%
    3. Jerickson Rodney Ngo Cua – UP Manila – 89.17%
    4. Nijell Tui Potencioso – Cebu Institute of Medicine – 89.8%
    5. Kiel Christian Dimaculangan Alday – University of Santo Tomas – 88.83%
    6. Ryan Delfin Parungao Encarnacion – UP Manila – 88.33%
    7. Frances Dominique Velasco Ho – UP Manila – 88.00%
    8. Anne Corine Arellano Ramos – FEU Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation – 87.83%
    9. Christian Lloyd Ang Loo – Cebu Institute of Medicine – 87.75%
    10. Chelseah Denise Hernandez Torres – University of Santo Tomas – 87.67%

    For the complete list of Physicians Licensure Exam passer, you can click here.

    Eight New Electric Bus to arrive in Quezon City to provide Free Transport Services

    October 17, 2024

    Eight (8) new electric bus have been acquired by Quezon City to expand its bus fleet to provide free rides to residents and reduce air pollution. The new buses will join the existing fleet of gasoline-powered buses, which serve over 145,000 commuters weekly. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader goal of transitioning to electric vehicles and improving air quality.

    This initiative aligns with the city’s broader push towards electrification to combat air pollution, as transportation accounts for 69% of particulate emissions (PM2.5). With Manila’s air quality exceeding WHO recommendations, the electric buses are an important step toward cleaner, healthier air for all.

    The new electric buses join a fleet of over 100 gasoline-powered buses currently serving 145,000 commuters weekly. As part of its commitment to sustainable transportation, Quezon City aims to transition its entire fleet to electric vehicles, including e-trikes, in the near future. Charging infrastructure is already in place to support this transition.

    Top gear Philippines reports that “The electric buses have a 41-passenger seating capacity, plus space to accommodate standing passengers. Safety features include handrails, fire suppression and emergency equipment, CCTV cameras, and smart TVs. For persons with disability, there are also wheelchair ramps to aid ingress and egress”

    This initiative aligns with the city’s participation in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, its commitment to the Paris Agreement, and its compliance with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law).

    Source: Quezon City Local Economic Investment Promotions Office (LEIPOQC)

    45 OFWs with two children repatriated from Lebanon – DMW

    October 17, 2024

    In a facebook post, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said that “another batch 45 OFWs with two children from Lebanon have safely returned home, bringing to a total of 525 OFWs and 30 dependents who have been repatriated through the government’s voluntary repatriation program.”

    DMW added that “the batch arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City this afternoon, October 17, 2024, via Kuwait Airways 417.”

    OFW in Lebanon have been affected by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which started with Israel’s war on Gaza last October 2023. The conflict only escalated when “Hezbollah confirmed that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been killed in an Israeli air strike on residential buildings in Beirut, which Israel claimed were above Hezbollah’s headquarters, on the night of Friday, September 27.” as reported by Aljazeera.

    Aster Sanad launches Specialized Philippine OB/GYN Clinic in Riyadh

    October 14, 2024

    In a special ceremony, Aster Sanad has announce that they are opening a specialized Philippine OB/GYN clinic in Riyadh. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Wednesday, October 10th with their special guest Ms. Lucille Gayaman, Assistant Labor Attaché of the Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh with Aster Sanad CEO, Dr. Essam Algamdi and OB/GYN Doctor Allyn Abuy.

    We are pleased to announce the opening of our specialized Philippine OB/GYN clinic in Riyadh, dedicated to serving Filipino women!

    A special thanks to Ms. Lucille T. Gayaman for attending the opening ceremony with our CEO, Dr. Essam Algamdi.

    We also offer special discounts and exclusive packages on all hospital services to ensure high-quality, affordable care.

    Because we always care about you at #Aster_Sanad_Hospital, you can now #book your #appointment by contacting us at 📞 920004417

    Law removing mother tongue in K-3 to improve education quality — Romulo

    October 13, 2024

    Giselle Ombay, GMA Integrated News;

    House Basic Education Committee Chairperson and Pasig lawmaker Roman Romulo on Sunday said that the law discontinuing the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction from kindergarten to grade 3 could help improve the quality of education in the country.

    I can list a number of countries that uses their “mother tongue” or “native language” as a medium of instruction and they are one of the places in the world that have “high quality of education.”

    With Republic Act No. 12027, the medium of instruction shall revert to Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.

    Meanwhile, the regional languages shall serve as auxiliary media of instruction.

    The best solution for this is to just give the teachers a very competitive compensation, a great career development and incentives if they stay in the profession.

    Here’s a comparison, in Thailand in English teacher can earn an average salary of THB 35000 (Thai Baht) or around ₱60k per month, while in the Philippines, Filipino English teachers earn an average salary of ₱23,000 per month.

    Classes and Government Work in Manila and Pasay Suspended

    October 10, 2024

    Malacañang suspends class and government work in the Manila and Pasay City from Monday to Tuesday, October 14th-15th, to give way to the opening of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

    The announcement was made via Memorandum Circular 66 issued by Malacañang.

    192 OFWs in Lebanon set to be repatriated from October 11-28 — DMW  

    October 10, 2024

    Sherylin Untalan, GMA Integrated News;

    A total of 192 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon are set to be repatriated until the end of the month, according to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday.

    At a Palace briefing, Cacdac said the Filipinos are being booked in different commercial flights starting Friday, October 11, while 11 are set to arrive this weekend.

    Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), posted on their official facebook page that the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon “has received 1,721 applications for repatriation, with 511 Filipinos successfully returned home.”

    And in a press briefing with DMW and OWWA, an additional 400 Filipinos, today.

    Converge announces Netflix and Fiber X bundle

    October 10, 2024

    Converge, one of Philippines leading ISP, announced “the new Converge Netflix Bundle, where new and existing FiberX customers will be able to have both an internet and Netflix plan, all in one. The new offering aims to provide countless entertainment options and a better streaming experience for FiberX users.”

    The new Converge Netflix Bundle will include a FiberX plan that offers 325 Mbps speeds, a Netflix subscription with a lock-in period of 36 months, a new WiFi-6 Next Gen Modem, and a Converge Xperience Box with Freemium Channels — all put together into one subscription for the convenience of the customer.

    The new Converge Netflix Bundle starts at Php 1,798 per month, inclusive of a Converge FiberX plan with boosted speeds of 325 Mbps, a WiFi6 modem, a Converge Xperience Box, and a Basic Netflix subscription that can support one HD stream at a time. Customers can avail of more premium bundles that can support multiple devices streaming at the same time and can offer additional Boost Modes with speeds of up to 200 Mbps. For existing subscribers, the Converge Netflix Bundle is available as an exclusive add-on starting at Php 298 per month.