Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 9114

Indonesia, PHL hold 1st navy-to-navy maritime training

INDONESIA AND the Philippines are holding the first joint Maritime Training Activity (MTA) this week involving naval forces to strengthen security measures in shared maritime borders. “The activity is Navy-to-Navy and it is more on military exercise compared to CORPAT- PHILINDO, which includes other civilian agencies from both countries,” Commodore Antonio C. Palces, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) commander, said during Monday’s opening ceremony at the Naval Station Felix in Davao City. CORPAT-PHILINDO is the annual coordinated patrol exercises of the two countries. The MTA involves member of NFEM and the Indonesian Second Fleet Command. Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) head, said the activities include naval doctrine discussion and open sea drills and maneuvers. “It is imperative for us to keep up with the ever-changing maritime security environment and develop more robust approaches in addressing maritime security,” Mr. Santos said. Four naval ships will be used during the exercises, the Philippines’ BRP Apolinario Mabini and BRP Liberato Picar, and Indonesia’s KRI Layang and KRI Pandarong.

Palawan farmers get irrigation, post-harvest facilities

OVER P200 million worth of irrigation system and post-harvest facilities funded by the Japanese government is seen to benefit more than 1,500 farmers in the towns of Narra and Aborlan in Palawan. In a statement on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles said the newly renovated Malatgao River Irrigation System and Post-Harvest Facilities project will cover over 3,000 hectares of land help 1,585 farmers. “This important project aims to increase palay yield in the area, which is considered the ‘rice granary’ of Palawan,” Mr. Nograles said. Service roads and an office for the local irrigators association will also be built under the program. The national government has pledged to double the funding amount in consideration of Palawan being among the provinces affected by typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in 2013. “We haven’t forgotten the need to rehabilitate, years after Yolanda, that’s why we continue to pour funds to improve irrigation, build facilities and establish sustainable livelihood programs to help affected citizens,” Mr. Nograles said. — Gillian M. Cortez

Dipolog cheers new RoRo link with Oslob, Cebu

LITE SHIPPING Corp., operator of Lite Ferries that provides sea transport services within Visayas-Mindanao routes, has launched a new vessel that will ply between Oslob in the southern part of Cebu and Dipolog City, capital of Zamboanga del Norte. “The new route is expected to help boost tourism and economy in Oslob and Dipolog City since Lite Ferry Five can carry Ceres buses directly from Cebu and Zamboanga Peninsula,” Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy said in a statement posted on his social media page. The M/V Lite Ferry Five is a roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessel that can accommodate 540 passengers and 23 10-wheeler trucks. Lite Ferries, founded by Lucio E. Lim Jr. from Bohol in 1990, has over 20 RoRo vessels serving at least 18 routes within the Visayas islands and between Visayas and Mindanao.

Sarangani highlights tourism attractions in 17th MunaTo Festival

SARANGANI, home of National Living Treasure weaver Bai Estelita Bantilan, is celebrating its 17th MunaTo Festival on Nov. 28–30 with a Craft Conference and Exhibition among the highlights of the celebration. Governor Steve C. Solon, in a statement, said the festival, which coincides with the 27th provincial founding day, “will showcase nature, culture and adventure which are the province’s tourist top drawers.” Aside from the crafts event, there will also be a Municipal Village set up at the capitol compound in Alabel featuring the local produce, cuisine, souvenirs, and tourist attractions of the province’s seven towns. The craft exhibit will include the intricate hand-weaving tradition of the indigenous people of the Blaan, Tagakaolo, and Tboli as well as the Moro communities such as the Maguindanaon, Maranao and Taosug. Muna Toh is derived from the Blaan phrase that means “first people.” Ms. Bantilan is a Blaan mat weaver who was given the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan recognition in 2017. Sarangani’s weaving culture is kept alive at the Lamlifew School of Living Traditions located in Malungon town. Sarangani also has a watching and educational site for migratory birds that pass through twice a year, in Sept.–Oct. and March–April.

Nationwide round-up

Worker injuries reported in rush to finish SEA Games facilities

FLAGS of participating countries in the 30th Southeast Asian Games are hoisted along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. — PHILSTAR/EDD GUMBAN

WITH AT least two reported injuries as workers scramble to finish structures that will be used for the ongoing 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) warned employers of possible administrative charges for failure to follow safety standards. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said Occupational Safety and Health Standards should be observed, including the use of safety equipment. Earlier, photos were shared on social media of construction workers rushing to finish buildings that will be used for the 2019 SEA Games, some of them not wearing the proper safety gear. On Tuesday morning, a construction worker was reported to have injured his leg after falling off a scaffolding at an area of the Rizal Memorial Stadium. In the afternoon, a “volunteer” construction worker also fell and fractured his skull at the same site. The opening football matches for the SEA Games already started Monday at the Rizal Stadium. Meanwhile, Labor Undersecretary Ana C. Dione said injured workers should be entitled to social benefits, among other compensation depending on the incident. Ms. Dione also stressed that employers must abide by the mandated benefits for workers, including those under a contractual status.

POLITICKING
As glitches on many other aspects of the SEA Games hosting continue to surface — from ID card distribution to food quality, transport services and other logistical arrangements — Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go said politicking among three key sports agencies is among the reasons for these problems. Mr. Go, chair of the Senate committee on sports, said he has been aware of backstage issues months prior to the Nov. 30–Dec. 11 multi-sport competition. “Two months ago, three months ago, before they elected their president, there has already been politics at the PoC (Philippine Olympic Committee),” Mr. Go, speaking in mixed English and Filipino, said over a radio interview with DzBB on Tuesday. He added that the Philippine Sports Commission, a government agency under Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee, felt that they should have been in charge. The senator earlier committed that after the 2019 SEA Games, his committee will hold an inquiry to look into the accountability of concerned agencies for the issues relating to the hosting. Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III agreed that an investigation is in order. Mr. Sotto also countered claims of House of Representatives leaders that the Senate was responsible for the problems after the delay in the budget approval, which ultimately affected preparations for the event hosting. Mr. Sotto noted the leadership change during the previous Congress that saw the rise of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as House Speaker and the resulting impasse that led to the months-long delay in the budget enactment. — Gillian M. Cortez and Charmaine A. Tadalan

Nation at a Glance — (11/27/19)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

Nation at a Glance — (11/27/19)

Azkals take on Myanmar in second game in SEAG

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE Philippine Men’s Under-22 football team treks back into action in group play at the 30th Southeast Asian Games today against Myanmar at 4 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.

Fresh from their hard-earned 1-1 draw with Cambodia in their Group A opener on Monday, the young Azkals look to build on the momentum they got in their first game and notch a victory in their match versus Myanmar to pad their push in the biennial regional sporting meet.

Eighteen-year-old substitute Dennis Chung turned out to be the hero for the Philippines as he punched through the equalizer in added time that allowed the Azkals to pull even and force the draw.

Already staring at a defeat as the clock ticked away, Filipino-Chinese Chung sent the Azkals and hometown fans into celebration when he connected in the 93rd minute of the contest.

Veteran Stephan Schrock, one of two overage players of the team, the other being defender Amani Aguinaldo, started the game-tying play for the Philippines by weaving through the defense of Cambodia before sending a pass to teammate Yrick Gallantes.

Mr. Gallantes then tap the ball to the direction of Mr. Chung, who immediately gathered himself and sent the ball past the Cambodian goalkeeper for the tie.

The two teams tried to get the go-ahead after but were unsuccessful in it, eventually settling for the draw and getting a point each for their efforts.

“I congratulate the players and the staff. I’m pleased with the way they played today. We were close to winning the match against a good team like Cambodia,” said Philippine team coach Goran Milojevic, whose team played catch-up after Cambodia scored the first goal of the match in the 40th minute care of Keo Sokpheng.

Mr. Milojevic praised the efforts of Messrs. Schrock and Aguinaldo in the team and underscored that they will play a vital role in their quest to go as far as they can in the tournament.

“Schrock and Aguinaldo are important for us. They lead them with their quality of play and they are some best in the game we have here,” Mr. Milojevic said.

Out to frustrate the Azkals, meanwhile, is Myanmar, who was also in a 1-1 draw in their opener on Monday against Malaysia.

Playing as well today is Cambodia and Timor-Leste in Group A at 8 p.m. in Rizal Memorial.

Northport out to complete upset of top seed NLEX

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

HALFWAY into fashioning out an upset in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup, the Northport Batang Pier seek to complete the job in their 7 p.m. do-or-die match today with top seeds NLEX Road Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Held a twice-to-win disadvantage entering the playoffs, the eighth-seeded Batang Pier sent the quarterfinal pairing on equal footing with a 115-90 victory over the Road Warriors in their first game on Monday.

Import Michael Qualls led Northport in the wire-to-wire victory, finishing with 39 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.

The Batang Pier got early control of the match and used it as leverage to create a good distance from the Road Warriors.

NLEX tried many times to fight its way back but Northport continuously found ways to frustrate them.

The Road Warriors managed to come within 14 points in a last-ditch effort in the fourth period to rally back but saw it zapped after Poy Erram and Paul Varilla got into a mix-up with Mr. Qualls with 4:54 to go.

It led to disqualifying fouls handed to the two NLEX players after review, which automatically sent them off the court, and risked missing the game today.

As of this writing, the PBA has yet to issue its decision on their fate for the do-or-die.

The fracas effectively halted the momentum of NLEX, which saw Northport run away with the victory after.

Christian Standhardinger backstopped Mr. Qualls in the Northport victory, finishing with 24 points and 13 rebounds.

Sean Anthony had 12 points with Kevin Ferrer adding nine.

For NLEX, JR Quiñahan showed the way with 20 points, followed by Kiefer Ravena with 16. Mr. Harris was limited to just 12 markers.

“Our goal is to make it to the semifinals. We just executed our play and it really paid off for us. We’re hoping we get to sustain this in our next game,” said Northport coach Pido Jarencio after their win.

MAGNOLIA DETHRONED
Meanwhile, erstwhile defending champion Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok were dethroned by the TNT KaTropa in their quarterfinal pairing, winning, 98-97, on Monday.

Needed to buck a twice-to-win disadvantage, Magnolia fell short in its bid at the first instance as it was not able to stop the ferocious fourth-quarter comeback by the KaTropa to slump to the defeat and be eliminated.

After the loss, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said they rued the missed opportunity to extend their reign but accepted what they were dealt.

“We need to improve both as a team and individually and come back stronger next season. The pieces are there for us, we just have to show more desire to win games,” he said.

Athletes urge public to unite and support Team Philippines

ALEJANDRO Baldo Jr, former Philippine Azkals U-22 team member, Chris Tiu, former team Captain of the Gilas Pilipinas national team and Anton Cayanan, member of the Philippine Badminton Team urge the public to unite and support “Team Philippines.”

They shared the “common problems” that they experienced in the past international sports events they joined in their respective social media accounts.

The national athletes narrated their own experiences pertaining to some inconveniences they felt when they represented the country abroad but noted that they were not distracted by these “natural and inevitable” glitches in sports events.

Mr. Baldo, former Philippine Azkals player, called on the public to pour their energies to support the Filipino athletes rather than find faults on others.

The former midfielder for the Philippine Azkals U-22 team, shared a video in social media of their past experience where they had to push their double-decker bus in the middle of the road while they were being transported back to their hotel in Bangkok.

“Dahil wais tayong mga Pinoy imbis na magalit at magreklamo ginawa na lang natin ‘to sa pinakamasayang experience,” Mr. Baldo said.

Mr. Baldo pointed out that national athletes experience several issues related to transportation, food when they join international sports events and stressed that games are more important than these problems.

“Problema sa pagkain kasi paulit-ulit, problema sa transpo at kung ano-ano pa. Lahat po ‘yan ay napagdaanan ng mga atletang Pinoy ‘pag tayo po ang dumadayo sa ibang bansa,” the former Azkals player recalled.

He shared his past experience during their tune-up game in Thailand in 2012 when they competed in the AFC U-22 Championship qualifiers to show that they were not bothered by these problems back then.

Badminton national player Cayanan, for his part, shared his own experience in the 2017 SEA games in Malaysia where their service transportation was delayed and their team was brought in a wrong hotel. He recalled that they had “inadequate food supply” in their hotels but eventually the service improved.

“For sure ‘di lang kami ang sports na nakaranas ng mga pagkukulang noong 2017 SEAG,” Mr. Cayanan narrated in his social media post.

Mr. Tiu, former Philippine Basketball Association cager, also cited the inevitable hitches and inconveniences he personally experienced as a sports delegate before.

As national athletes who were committed to make their country proud, they did not allow these problems affect their game performance. Instead, they remained focus on their games and kept a positive outlook all throughout their participation in the international sports event.

They all hope that Filipinos can express more support to the national athletes to boost their morale and confidence so they perform better.

“Sports is certainly a great platform to inspire the youth, promote good values and unite a nation. Let us not use it to divide us,” Mr. Tiu wrote in his Instagram post.

The Philippine hosting of this year’s SEA games is an opportunity for the country to showcase the world class talents and skills of the Filipino athletes.

Many athletes lament that instead of cheering and supporting the athletes a few days before the official start of the SEA games, the social media is flooded with negativities and criticisms.

James leads surging Lakers past sagging Spurs

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James poured 33 points and dished out 14 assists to push the visiting Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-104 victory over the struggling San Antonio Spurs on Monday in the Alamo City to win their eighth straight game.

The Lakers led by just four points heading to the final quarter but opened the period with a 12-3 run that features a pair of 3-pointers from James and was capped by his assist to JaVale McGee for a dunk. San Antonio never got closer than nine points the rest of the way.

Anthony Davis added 19 points, 13 of them in the second half, and 12 rebounds while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 14, Rajon Rondo hit for 13 points (three-for-three from beyond the arc), while Troy Daniels and Kyle Kuzma pumped in 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lakers.

Los Angeles, whose only defeats this year have come to the crosstown-rival Clippers and Toronto, is off to its best start since the 2008–09 season. That was a championship season for the Lakers.

LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Spurs with 30 points, with DeMar DeRozan adding 24, Bryn Forbes scoring 13 and Derrick White hitting for 11 for San Antonio, which has lost nine of 10 games and four straight at home.

The Spurs led 56-54 at the half as Aldridge, with 16 points, and DeRozan, with 12, paced San Antonio over the first two quarters. The Spurs outshot Los Angeles 53.3 percent to 45.8 percent in the first half.

James led the Lakers with 19 points in the first half, while Rondo poured in 10. Davis had just 4 points on 2-of-10 shooting from the floor.

The Spurs led 77-76 with 2:42 to play in the third quarter before Los Angeles rattled off eight of the ensuing nine points and took an 86-82 advantage heading to the fourth quarter.

Los Angeles has already defeated the Spurs twice in the first quarter of the season, both times in San Antonio.

CARMELO SCORES SEASON-HIGH 25 AS BLAZERS ROMP
Carmelo Anthony scored a season-high 25 points on 10-for-20 shooting, and the visiting Portland Trail Blazers cruised to a 117-94 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.

Anthony connected on four of seven attempts from beyond the arc in his fourth game with the Trail Blazers. CJ McCollum scored 21 points and Damian Lillard notched a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists for Portland, which snapped a four-game losing streak.

Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 18 points on six-for-13 shooting. Wendell Carter Jr. fell just shy of a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds, and Tomas Satoransky contributed 11 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Chicago endured its fifth loss in seven games. The Bulls trailed by as many as 28 and were outrebounded 55-37.

Portland led 105-79 when Nassir Little entered the game for Anthony with 7:49 to go in the fourth quarter. Anthony watched from the bench the rest of the way after his best performance since Nov. 2, 2018, when he scored 28 points for the Houston Rockets in a win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Entering the fourth quarter, the Trail Blazers held a commanding 92-72 advantage. The Bulls trailed by as little as five points with 10:55 remaining in the third quarter, but Portland closed the session on a 30-15 run.

McCollum started the scoring binge with a jump shot, and Skal Labissiere finished it with a jump shot from 16 feet. In between, Anthony hit two jump shots and a free throw to help Portland pull away.

Portland led 62-54 at halftime. The Trail Blazers established an eight-point lead thanks to a strong second quarter in which it enjoyed a 35-26 advantage over the Bulls.

Trail Blazers guard Rodney Hood padded the halftime lead when he hit a step-back jumper as time expired. Hood’s buzzer beater followed a basket by McCollum with 6.3 seconds to go before the break.

Chicago held onto a 28-27 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Bulls trailed by six points before closing the quarter on an 11-4 run, which included 3-pointers by Coby White and Thaddeus Young. — Reuters

High hopes for Philippine beach volleyball players

NOT only is the Philippines vying for a podium finish in the 30th Southeast Asian Games beach volleyball competition, it is also trying to gain a spot in next year’s AVC Continental Cup Finals.

The Rebisco-backed women’s and men’s squads have been training doubly hard twice-a-day for the tournament which begins on Friday at Subic Tennis Court.

“The Philippine beach volleyball teams have been staying in Subic since last Friday, training and preparing hard for the games,” said team manager Charo Soriano, who is also the Beach Volleyball Republic founder.

“We are fortunate to be able to be at the venue early and we are scheduling training both in the morning and in the evening so the athletes can get used to the sand and lighting conditions,” she added.

The pairs of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, and Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriguez will lead the women’s, while Edmar Bonono and Jude Garcia, and Jaron Requinton and James Buytrago will banner the men’s side.

The team had a good warm-up via the recently concluded 2019 Rebisco Beach Volleyball International Open at Sands SM By The Bay which boosted the country’s preparations for the SEA Games.

“Everybody is excited. The coaching staff, management staff and the players. We have been waiting this opportunity to bring pride to our nation. And we will make sure to give our all,” said Ms. Soriano.

The Philippines last won a medal in 2005 courtesy of the Fil-Am pair of Heidi Ilustre and Diane Pascua. Also, the beach volleyball event is back in the SEA Games after an eight-year absence.

The stakes are higher, as the biennial games will also serve as the Southeast Asian Zonal qualifier to the AVC Continental Cup.

After completion of the event on Dec. 6, the gold medalist in each gender will advance to the third phase of the AVC Continental Cup (Finals) in June, while the silver medalist will qualify to the second phase (semifinals) early next year. The Continental Cup champion then will book a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Despite all the tremendous odds, the Philippines is ready to bring its A-game against the best sand court players in the region.

Bukidnon FA captures Luzon Cup overall title

THE Bukidnon Football Association toppled One La Salle, 2-0, to seize the overall championship of the first Luzon Cup Under 12 Football Tournament spearheaded by the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) with the Central Luzon Football Association, and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Department of Education Tarlac, and the provincial and city governments of Tarlac.

Held from Nov. 22 to 24 at the Jose V. Yap Sports and Recreational Complex in San Jose, Tarlac, the Luzon Cup is the third of a series of football tournaments spearheaded by NOFA for Under-12/Under-13 boys.

The first two, the NOFA Cup (on its fourth edition) was held last summer and the second, the Mindanao Cup, was held last October. It was also Bukidnon FA that topped that Mindanao Cup and their feat qualified them for a berth at the Luzon Cup.

Top winners of Luzon Cup’s First Division (Cup) were: One La Salle, first runner-up; Rizal Football Association Quezon City, second runner-up; and Masbate Football Association, third runner-up.

Meanwhile, Cordillera Football Association — Baguio secured the Division 1 Plate Championship, with Central Bicol Regional Football Association as first runner-up; Laguna Football Association as second runner-up and Youth Football Academy Muntinlupa as third runner-up.

In the Second Division, the top winners were Pangasinan United Football Club, champion; Tuguegarao City Football Club, first runner-up; Camarines Norte United, second runner-up; and Central Luzon Football Association – Tarlac, third runner-up.

Players of Bukidnon FA obtained most of the individual awards: Jun Dominique Melig was awarded Best Goalkeeper; Jimm Leowell Fabela, Best Defender and Most Valuable Player. One La Salle’s Fritz Kenzo Chua was chosen as the Best Midfielder. RIFA QC’s Filbert Martin Tacardon got the Best Striker Award with 27 goals.

CLFA President Mr. Alvin Yalung and General Secretary Mr. Ed Flaminiano thanked NOFA President Mr. Ricardo “Ricky” Yanson, Jr., for his efforts in spearheading the Luzon Cup especially since the said age-group tournament is the first in the region in the last three years. “I know in his heart, he wants to develop the young players so they can one day play for the national team,” Mr. Yalung said of Mr. Yanson.

A number of teams, such as those from Camarines Sur, Pangasinan, and Tuguegarao traveled by land for many hours in order to be part of the tournament. “Because the Luzon Cup is a very good platform… it is a true platform for true grassroots development,” said Tuguegarao City Football Club head coach Ricky Enolva to explain their participation.

1...9,1139,1149,115...13,170Page 9,114 of 13,170
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube