John Lee activates protocol for relief work after torrential rain
Chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Saturday activated the mobilization protocol for civil servants to conduct the relief work at full steam following extensive flooding caused by torrential rain. They also assisted residents at Luen Wo Hui, Fanling temporary shelters. Lee on Saturday inspected Shek O and Ma Mei Ha Tsuen to learn about the progress of relief work. He then visited people staying at the temporary shelter in the Luen Wo Hui Community Hall. He also instructed all departments to make all-out efforts to assist members of the public in need and stressed that the government will continue to strive to handle relief work with every effort possible.
Source:The Standard
September 10, 2023 05:32 UTC
600 dead in Morocco quake; Pinoys told to call embassy
Updated interior ministry figures on Saturday showed the quake killed 632 people, more than half of them in Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces. Frenchman Michael Bizet, 43, who owns three traditional riad houses in Marrakesh's old town, told AFP that he was in bed when the quake struck. Houda Outassaf, a local resident, told AFP he was walking around the square when the ground began to shake. Fayssal Badour, another Marrakesh resident, told AFP the earthquake hit while he was driving. Significant damage likely"We heard screams at the time of the tremor," a resident of Essaouira, 200 kilometers west of Marrakesh, told AFP.
Source:Manila Times
September 10, 2023 05:30 UTC
WATCH: Kimono Creativity
Japan's traditional costume, the kimono, dates back to the 8th century, although it has changed considerably over the years. With a huge variety of designs, the kimono expresses the unique Japanese approach to beauty. Almost 70 percent of Japanese silk kimono fabric is made in the Tango region, in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Tango Chirimen silk crepe has a finely wrinkled surface that reflects light randomly, adding unique depth and richness to the colors. Today, we even see kimonos using overseas motifs, influenced by cultures and styles from around the world.
Source:Manila Times
September 10, 2023 04:14 UTC
2 Indians held for robbery
2 Indians held for robberyMANILA, Philippines — Police arrested two Indian men tagged in a robbery in Quezon City on Thursday. The suspects are Dewinder Pal Singh Dhaliwal, 39, and Manjeet Singh Hansra, 41, who are residents of Caloocan City. A manhunt is underway for the suspects’ alleged accomplice, Randoj Singh Bhullar, Quezon City Police District director Brig. The suspects allegedly robbed two people riding a motorcycle along Air Force Road in Barangay Holy Spirit at around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Dhaliwal and Hansra face charges of robbery, illegal possession of firearms, possession of explosives and violation of Republic Act 11235, the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.
Source:Philippine Star
September 09, 2023 22:03 UTC
Civil servants join in on relief work under government-wide mobilization protocol
Authorities have activated the government-wide mobilization protocol, with 250 civil servants deployed to four locations in the North District to help clear up the aftermath of the torrential downpour that hit Hong Kong late on Thursday and Friday. The civil servants joining in on the relief work on Saturday were from the Judiciary, ICAC, Education Bureau, Inland Revenue Department, Marine Department, Department of Health, and the Environmental Protection Department. At Ma Mei Ha Tsuen in Fanling, the civil servants were seen helping the villagers remove fallen branches from the roads and pavements. Yeung added that it could be difficult to immediately mobilize civil servants through the protocol to respond to major events. The government-wide mobilization protocol was introduced in Chief Executive John Lee's 2022 policy address, where the protocol goes into effect when major incidents occur.
Source:The Standard
September 09, 2023 17:56 UTC
Chot: 'We improved in our placing, overall performance'
One week after Gilas Pilipinas punctuated its 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign with a 21-point win over long-time Asian powerhouse China, former coach Chot Reyes feels the Philippine team has "improved in terms of playing and overall performance" since the 2014 edition in Seville, Spain. Get the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy"I thought we improved in our placing and overall performance." The Philippines also bowed to Angola, 90-80 in a highly-physical game, before succumbing to world no. "With all the problems we faced, with the lack of preparation time with key players, we knew we will be competitive. We defended well, rebounded against those teams, and found ways to score, even if they consistently shut down Jordan," he added.
Source:Manila Times
September 09, 2023 14:57 UTC
Djokovic schools Shelton to reach 10th US Open final
NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic earned himself another shot at a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title after beating unseeded American Ben Shelton in straight sets on Friday (Saturday in Manila) to advance to his 10th US Open final. Novak Djokovic AFP PHOTO"Another Grand Slam final. I cannot be happier with where I am," said Djokovic, who signed off victory in his 100th US Open match by imitating Shelton's hang-up-the-phone celebration. He will try to claim three Grand Slams in the same season for the fourth time in his career. "I'm obviously over the moon with the results so far on Grand Slams," said Djokovic.
Source:Manila Times
September 09, 2023 13:07 UTC
WATCH: Govt aids rice retailers affected by rice price cap
Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Ada Colinco, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa lead the initial payout of DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program For Qualified Micro Rice Retailers affected by Executive Order 39 at Maypajo Market in Caloocan and Agora Public Market in San Juan City on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued EO 39, setting a price cap on rice. Photos by Rene Dilan, John Orven Verdote
Source:Manila Times
September 09, 2023 12:17 UTC
Brazilians, battered by tropical cyclone, begin to rebuild their lives
Bieleski, 35, is one of many Brazilians in the south of the country struggling to rebuild their lives after being battered by a tropical cyclone this week. Bieleski lives in the town of Lajeado, which was badly hit by floodwaters from the engorged Taquari river. He blamed emergency services for the deaths of his wife and children, saying they had urged him to stay in his home to await help that never arrived. Rio Grande do Sul emergency services did not respond to a request for comment. He said he was worried thieves would ransack whatever belongings remained, and he now lives in his car.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
September 09, 2023 11:54 UTC
9.75 million COVID-19 doses wasted, P3 billion unused
9.75 million COVID-19 doses wasted, P3 billion unusedMANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has called out the Department of Health (DOH) over the “wastage” of COVID-19 vaccines totaling 9,751,301.50 doses and failure to utilize P3.056 billion in COVID-19 funds for 2022. The audit breakdown, however, showed that the bulk of wasted vaccines totaling 4,506,913 doses carried the brand AztraZeneca, followed by Moderna (1,718,887.50 doses), Janssen (1,034,638 doses), Pfizer-Adult (914,175 doses), Sinovac (719,207 doses), Pfizer-Pedia (426,430 doses), Sputnik I (309,721 doses), Sputnik II (107,866 doses), Gamaleya II (12,991 doses), Sinopharm (453 doses) and Gamaleya I (20 doses). Found responsible for the bulk of wasted vaccines or 3,729,701.50 doses was Metro Manila, followed by Central Luzon with 3,560,173 doses; Eastern Visayas, 1,671,878 doses; Caraga, 786,647 doses and Ilocos region with 2,902 doses. The COA noted that of the P37.507-billion COVID-19 funds of the DOH, 91.85 percent or P34.451 billion was obligated as of yearend. Of the obligated amount, 87.94 percent or P30.297 billion was actually disbursed, leaving unpaid obligations of P4.155 billion.
Source:Philippine Star
September 08, 2023 22:05 UTC
Ayungin resupply successful despite Chinese maneuvers
Ayungin resupply successful despite Chinese maneuversScreen grab from a Philippine Coast Guard video shows a PCG vessel (highlighted) being subjected to dangerous maneuvers by China coast guard and militia vessels as it assisted a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Filipino supply vessels were able to evade “dangerous maneuvers” by Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels to deliver provisions to troops on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal yesterday. It was the second successful resupply mission for the Sierra Madre since the Aug. 5 incident when a Chinese coast guard ship drove away with water cannon a Filipino boat carrying food and provisions for Marines stationed on the outpost. The task force did not reveal details of the resupply mission. “This is a humanitarian resupply mission.
Source:Philippine Star
September 08, 2023 21:55 UTC
Travel in style with Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid
The Ertiga Hybrid is Suzuki's stylish seven-seater compact multipurpose vehicle (MPV). The Ertiga Hybrid remains a standout with its stylish exterior that exudes a strong and robust character. When it comes to looks, the Ertiga Hybrid remains a standout with its stylish exterior that exudes a strong and robust character. "The Ertiga Hybrid can accommodate up to seven passengers with comfortable seating, which is perfect for those long trips and even for just those city drives in the metro. The Ertiga Hybrid is a practical solution to any travel necessity," said Norihide Takei, director and general manager for Automobile of Suzuki Philippines.
Source:Manila Times
September 08, 2023 16:12 UTC
WATCH: New challenges for projection mapping
Projection mapping allows images to be displayed on surfaces such as walls and buildings that's widely used for entertainment, and Japan is now leading the world in finding new uses for this technology. On construction sites and in hospitals, projection mapping is making work safer and more accurate. We visit a major highway tunnel project in the Tohoku region, where images from data on rock strengths and weaknesses are projected onto the rock face to aid with explosive placement. And in the operating room, we see how images projected onto affected organs guide the surgeon's hand. VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN
Source:Manila Times
September 08, 2023 14:14 UTC
PH, Australia sign pact on strategic partnership
MORE PARTNERSHIPS President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sign the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Australia at Malacañang on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Under a strategic partnership, the countries will seek to expand cooperation in several areas, from defense and security to climate change and education. A strategic partnership is the highest level of bilateral ties that Australia has had with the Philippines. The event was watched by Marcos, Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles. Aside from the strategic partnership, other documents signed Friday include the Memoranda of Understanding on Work and Holiday Visa Arrangement and on National Soil Health Strategy.
Source:Manila Times
September 08, 2023 13:02 UTC
Four drivers rescued after vehicles stall in flooded underpass near Tai Po Market Station
Rescue workers were alerted to Tai Po after multiple cars broke down near the tunnels of Tai Po Market Station on Friday morning. Due to the effects of the heavy torrential rain, multiple locations in Hong Kong were heavily flooded and became submerged. The underpass near the Tai Po Market Station was also heavily flooded, with two taxis, a truck, and one seven-seater sedan trapped in the flooded low-lying road after stalling in the deep water. Firefighters and traffic police were alerted to the scene and rescued the drivers by rappelling into the flooded underpass. No injuries were reported.
Source:The Standard
September 08, 2023 06:27 UTC