Marcos signs order setting 4-year gov’t pay hikes
ADVERTISEMENTREAD: DBM: Gov’t workers to get first salary increase tranche this yearThe new round of four-year government pay hikes follows the 2020-2023 yearly increases under the salary standardization law (SSL) of 2019. There are 33 salary grades and eight steps for each, with the highest salary going to the President. The President’s latest EO did not specify the number of government employees nationwide who will benefit from the salary increase. Pangandaman orderBudget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that she had ordered her officials to finalize the guidelines for the release of the salary increase under Phase 6 of the salary standardization law (SSL VI). “I am happy to announce that we would be able to fund the salary increase not just for 2024 but also for 2025,” Pangandaman said.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 03, 2024 23:00 UTC
‘PTMP needs adequate government support’
‘PTMP needs adequate government support’Photos show modern jeepneys and traditional jeepneys as they wait for passengers along Escoda Street in Manila on April 13, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — The Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), formerly known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, is achievable with adequate government support, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday. “The birthing pains are unavoidable if we want to achieve a meaningful transformation of our transport sector. He also said there has been a significant delay in the approval of the transport routes. The senator also said the government has not provided adequate support to the drivers in terms of retraining, livelihood options and social protection.
Source:Philippine Star
August 03, 2024 11:04 UTC
Marcos names new acting DTI secretary
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Trade Undersecretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as acting secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), following Alfredo Pascual’s decision to return to the private sector. ADVERTISEMENTBefore this, Roque was trade undersecretary for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Group and was “instrumental” in executing programs and initiatives for MSMEs. In an earlier meeting in Malacañang, the President thanked Pascual for his service and contributions to the DTI during his two-year stint as trade secretary. “He looks forward to a seamless transition under Acting Secretary Roque’s leadership,” the PCO added.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 03, 2024 09:40 UTC
President Marcos seeks media help in fighting fake news
President Marcos seeks media help in fighting fake newsPhilippine President Ferdinand Marcos delivers the annual State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Manila on July 22, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos asked members of the Philippine media yesterday to help in the fight against fake news, which he warned has become more dangerous with “unregulated social media” and artificial intelligence. Marcos made the call weeks after a “fake video” circulated on social media linking him to alleged illegal drug use. Separate forensic analysis conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police showed that the man supposedly taking drugs in a viral video was not Marcos. Marcos also assured Filipino journalists of his administration’s continuing support in ensuring their safety and welfare through the Presidential Task Force on Media Security.
Source:Philippine Star
August 03, 2024 03:54 UTC
Growing Cordillera economy seen to boost autonomy bid
With a 2023 gross regional domestic product of 6.9 percent, the Cordillera has sufficient momentum for growth as an autonomous government, according to Apayao Gov. Bulut chairs the Regional Development Council (RDC), and delivered the Sora alongside Kalinga Gov. “Our unwavering commitment to autonomy as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution will persist, and we remain steadfast and tireless in this pursuit,” Bulut said. Upland infrastructureThe Cordillera Administrative Region was formed on July 15, 1987, through Executive Order No. But as of 2023, 95 percent of national roads in every province of the Cordillera have been paved, the governors said.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 03, 2024 03:04 UTC
Infinix Teams Up with UNESCO and Google to Inspire Today's Youth with AI and Robotics Education through the Largest CogLabs Workshop Ever
Themed "Get in Now", Infinix partnered with UNESCO and Google to inspire today's youth with AI and robotics education through the CogLabs initiative. Michael Zeng"It is a true honor for Infinix to collaborate with UNESCO and Google in globally promoting the CogLabs project," said, Brand Manager of Infinix Kenya. Advertisement CogLabs WorkshopJoan Nadal"The CogLabs project is a shining example of how we can inspire and empower the next generation to embrace the transformative power of AI and robotics. "We are thrilled to preview the mobile application of the CogLabs initiative," shared John Kimani, Head of Developer Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google. This attention to detail and understanding of the African landscape sets the stage for the transformative impact of the CogLabs project.
Source:Manila Times
August 03, 2024 01:58 UTC
LIVE updates: Team Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics
LIVE updates: Team Philippines at the 2024 Paris OlympicsMANILA, Philippines (First published on July 27, 2024, 8:48 a.m.) — A total of 22 Filipino athletes are set to compete on the world stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Catch the excitement as Team Philippines aims for glory in various sports, showcasing their talent and determination from July 26 to Aug. 11, 2024. Follow Philstar.com's live updates and highlights of their journey. (Can't view the live updates. Click here?)
Source:Philippine Star
August 02, 2024 21:50 UTC
House probe surfaces links between POGOs and illegal drug trade
House probe surfaces links between POGOs and illegal drug tradeThe House committee on public order and safety conducts its third joint hearing ob the criminal and illegal activities linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), July 31, 2024. On Wednesday, House public order and safety committee chairperson Rep. Dan Fernandez (Sta. Rosa, Laguna) presented a list of individuals and entities involved in the intricate network based on separate probes by the House committees on dangerous drugs, public order and safety and public accounts. Fernandez said their findings stem from extensive hearings initiated last year by Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairperson of the House committee on dangerous drugs, on the P3.6 billion worth of shabu seized in Mexico, Pampanga. The lawmaker said the findings from the committee inquiry will lead to recommended legislative measures to prevent POGOs from resurfacing.
Source:Philippine Star
August 02, 2024 20:25 UTC
ZTO to Announce Second Quarter and Half-Year Interim Financial Results of 2024 on August 20, 2024 U.S. Eastern Time
SHANGHAI, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company"), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 and its unaudited interim financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2024, after the U.S. market closes on August 20, 2024. ZTO's management team will host an earnings conference call at 8:30 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, which is 8:30 A.M. Beijing Time on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China. AdvertisementZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain.
Source:Manila Times
August 02, 2024 16:45 UTC
WATCH: PCG: Oil spill in Bataan under control; siphoning operations ongoing
Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos leads a briefing on the updates regarding the damage caused by the oil spill in Bataan. Also in the meeting at the Office of the Civil Defense in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on Aug. 2, 2024 were the Philippine Coast Guard and government agencies concerned. According to the PCG, the oil spill in Limay, Bataan was under control but the metal valves need to be replaced to ensure that the oil from inside the tanker can be siphoned off to stop a discharge into the ocean. VIDEO BY ISMAEL DE JUANGet 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
Source:Manila Times
August 02, 2024 16:43 UTC
Philippines, Japan militaries hold first joint exercises in South China Sea
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner (L) shakes hands with Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of Japan's Self Defense Force prior to a 2+2 meeting at a hotel in Manila on July 8, 2024. (AFP)The Philippines and Japan held their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea on Friday, the Philippine armed forces said, in the latest collaboration between countries that have pushed back against China's regional assertiveness. The drills, which took place within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, followed similar exercises between Manila and Washington on Wednesday. The Philippines and Japan, both U.S. allies, last month signed a landmark military pact allowing deployment of forces on each other's soil. But it has a separate maritime dispute with China in the East China Sea, where the neighbors have repeatedly faced off.
Source:The Standard
August 02, 2024 14:34 UTC
Mega Matrix Announces $1.5 Million Private Placement
The closing of the private placement is expected to occur on or about, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the private placement. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release other than statements that are purely historical are forward looking statements that include, but are not limited to, statements related to the completion of the private placement, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the private placement and the intended use of proceeds therefrom. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
Source:Manila Times
August 02, 2024 14:26 UTC
‘Habagat’ to bring weekend rains to western Philippines
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” may affect the western parts of the country through the weekend. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/2/habagat-to-bring-weekend-rains-to-western-philippines-pagasaSubscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletinVisit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletinTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin#ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews
Source:Manila Bulletin
August 02, 2024 12:40 UTC
The 4th Hong Kong Brands and Products Shopping Festival begins today, free admission to celebrate Olympic results
The four-day Hong Kong Brands and Products Shopping Festival kicked off at the AsiaWorld-Expo on Friday. To celebrate the achievements of Hong Kong athletes in the Paris Olympics, everyone can enter for free today. The venue has over 250 indoor stalls, divided into six themed exhibition areas, selling various products such as seafood, cooking utensils, health products, and fruits. The opening hours of the shopping festival are from 10.30 am to 7 pm. The adult ticket price is HK$10, while children with a height of 1 meter or less, seniors aged 65 or above, and people with disabilities can enjoy free admission.
Source:The Standard
August 02, 2024 04:24 UTC
People management a focal point at 30th National Retail Conference
People management a focal point at 30th National Retail ConferenceMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), through the National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) organizing committee, is offering sessions designed to tackle issues on effective people management and forging relationships that benefit both employees and the company. At the 30th National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) slated on Aug. 29 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, the NRCE committee recognizes that amid rapid technological advancements across all fronts, many companies often overlook their most crucial asset – their people. One of the key sessions, “Champion Mindset in Developing Dynamic Retail Teams,” will explore practical strategies for cultivating a champion mindset within retail teams. Dr. Maria Luisa Guinto, an associate professor and sports psychologist from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, will complement Sangalang’s insights by delving into the psychological aspects of building and maintaining a champion mindset. Her expertise will provide a deeper understanding of the psychological resilience and strategies necessary for consistent performance excellence in retail and beyond.
Source:Philippine Star
August 02, 2024 00:09 UTC