Category: General

MANILA: College of St. Benilde (CSB) outplayed San Beda University, 25-11, 25-21, 25-22, for its second win in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Friday.

Michelle Gamit scored 13 attacks while Wielyn Estoque had 12 spikes and one block for the Lady Blazers, who also got 10 points from Gayle Pascual.

Jade Gentapa chipped in seven points, including two blocks, and Cloane Mondonedo had 16 excellent sets for the Lady Blazers.

CSB is coming off a victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), 25-15, 25-14, 25-23, on Sunday.

Angel Mae Habacon delivered 14 points, seven excellent receptions and six digs for San Beda, which absorbed its second straight loss.

In the men’s side, San Beda turned back CSB, 16-25, 25-23, 30-28, 25-19, to gain a share of the lead with EAC at 2-0.

Axel Van Book led the Red Lions with 32 points, including five blocks.

Kevin Montemayor contributed 11 attacks and three blocks while Anrie Bakil and Mohammad Shauf Ali Tahiluddin
added seven points each.

James Harold Marasigan paced CSB with 16 points, 14 on attacks, to go with 14 excellent receptions.

Action continues on Saturday with Perpetual facing Letran at 7 a.m. (men) and 9 a.m. (women).

Arellano University and Mapua will meet at 2 p.m. (women) and 5:30 p.m. (men)

Source: Philippines News agency

PUTRAJAYA: After more than a decade in the world of creative art, local talent Mile09 can now be proud of having successfully carved a name as a graffiti artist who is not only known locally but also internationally.

Mile09 otherwise known as Muhamad Fakhrul Akmal Shamsurrijal, 37, has now done several graffiti drawings in the country and abroad thus dispelling the notion that graffiti is a form of vandalism.

Not just ordinary wall graffiti, the Institut Kemahiran Mara Sungai Petani, Kedah’s Graphic Advertising graduate has been entrusted with various graffiti projects with giant entities such as Petronas, Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj) as well as overseas projects in Jakarta in Indonesia, Bangkok (Thailand) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

‘Graffiti art is now seen as a new platform among young people who want to generate income and have fun working without being tied to office hours or employers because it can be done at any time.

‘The most important medium in graffiti art is a spray (paint), the graffiti
art can be produced according to the customer’s wishes,’ he said when met by Bernama recently.

Recalling the beginning of his career as a graffiti artist, Muhammad Fakhrul Akmal who has expertise in semi-wildstyle lettering graffiti with pop colours and semi-architectural structure patterns, said that the graffiti he produced was his own ideas as well as obtained through sharing ideas with fellow artists and also via YouTube.

This Putrajaya-born said to familiarise himself with the spray paint and colour selection, he made the zinc wall at construction sites around Putrajaya as his canvases in the early stages of venturing into the field.

‘Zinc wall at the construction area would be thrown away, from there I learned the art of graffiti to get to where I am now. The name ‘Mile09′ is a combination of my name and the area of Presint 9 where I studied and grew up,’ he said.

The father of three said the basic material for doing graffiti art is a special spray paint for graffiti artists that is imported at a pr
ice of around RM25 to RM35 a can.

‘The process of implementing this graffiti art depends on the width of the wall, if the wall is small it’s only for a moment. This graffiti project can be done at any time except when it rains,’ he said, adding that he would spend nearly 12 hours a day to complete a project.

He said graffiti art has been accepted by the general public and his work has even been recognised by government departments such as PPj, the Johor Bahru City Council, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) when his drawings decorate the 300-metre long RMAF assets at RMAF Air Base in Subang, in 2010 and a nine-storey building in Jalan Sultan Ibrahim, Johor Bahru last year.

‘At the beginning of this year’s Ramadan, the PDRM also used my drawings at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

‘I also prepared a graffiti drawing for PPj in the pedestrian area in Presint 8. This shows that the art of graffiti has found a place in the hearts of Malaysians
,’ said Muhammad Fakhrul Akmal, who also believes that graffiti art in Malaysia is more restrained compared with overseas as many artists over there are more aggressive.

With an income starting from RM5,000, depending on the graffiti project produced, Muhamad Fakhrul Akmal is also a specialist spray paint supplier for local graffiti artists through his shop ‘Backalley Shop’ in Cheras.

‘Income in this field is uncertain, depending on the project, but this graffiti art gives different satisfaction, especially when the work produced is appreciated… this gives me satisfaction to continue working,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

SEREMBAN, A storage facility for scheduled chemical waste at Cenviro Sdn Bhd (Pusat Kualiti Alam), Ladang Tanah Merah A3 Division, Bukit Pelanduk, Port Dickson, was ravaged by a fire this afternoon.

Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department Public Relations Unit assistant fire officer Muhammad Syazwan Tajuddin said the facility measuring 100×100 square feet was utterly ruined by the fire.

‘The Fire Department received the call at 6 pm; four brigades from the Port Dickson, Seremban 2, Seremban and Rantau stations, involving 66 personnel, were deployed to the scene.

‘Firefighting operation is ongoing. No fatalities were reported,’ he said in a statement here today.

He said further developments will be informed from time to time.

Thick, black smoke was visible earlier, but the media was prohibited from being in proximity to the area.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MANILA: The Philippines has forged a ‘stronger’ trilateral cooperation with the United States (US) and Japan aimed to protect the Indo-Pacific region to secure ‘a better future for all,’ Malacañang announced Friday (Manila time).

The forging of the historic trilateral alliance was a result of the first-ever trilateral summit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House.

‘Biden and Kishida, in the historic summit, forged a stronger trilateral alliance with the Philippines as they vowed to protect the Indo-Pacific region,’ Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

In his opening remarks during the trilateral meeting, Marcos said the Philippines’ friendship and partnership with the US and Japan are ‘bound by a shared vision and pursuit of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region’ amid challenges to the international rules-based order.

‘It is a partnership, borne not out of convenience nor of exped
iency, but as a natural progression of deepening relations and robust cooperation amongst our three nations, linked by a profound respect for democracy, good governance, and the rule of law,’ Marcos told Biden and Kishida.

‘Facing the complex challenges of our time requires concerted efforts on everyone’s part, a dedication to a common purpose, and unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order. This is a meeting that looks ahead,’ he added.

Marcos said the trilateral summit can be ‘just a beginning,’ stressing that it is an opportunity for them to define the future they want and how they intend to achieve it as one.

US’ ‘ironclad’ defense commitments

Biden assured Marcos and Kishida of the US’ ‘ironclad’ defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines.

‘I want to be clear, the United States’ defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines are ironclad. As I’ve said before, any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels, or Armed Forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense t
reaty,’ he said.

Biden issued the statement, as he described Marcos and Kishida in the historic gathering as friends and partners.

He said the US’ ‘new era of partnership’ with the Philippines and Japan is anchored on building an Indo-Pacific that is ‘free, open, prosperous and secure for all’ through the deepened ties of the three countries.

‘When we stand as one, we’re able to forge a better future for all. And that’s what this new trilateral is all about in my view. Building a better future for people crossing the Pacific, and quite frankly, beyond around the world,’ Biden said.

Full cooperation

Kishida reaffirmed the Japanese government’s commitment to further strengthen its ties with the US and the Philippines, as he vowed full cooperation for peace and stability in the region.

‘In order to secure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, I hope to reaffirm our intention to further strengthen trilateral cooperation and to present the specific way forward through today’s meeting,’ he said.

The land
mark trilateral meeting was also attended by the three countries’ respective ministers in foreign affairs, defense, trade, and energy.

‘Today’s historic summit is a culmination of several preparatory engagements between our Foreign Ministries, our National Security Advisers, and our Vice Ministers, as well as the conduct of trilateral maritime exercises and joint development cooperation,’ Marcos said.

Economic ties

Meantime, the three nations also sought to deepen their ties and enhance their economic relations.

Marcos said he and the two world leaders intend to identify ways of growing their economies and making them more resilient, climate-proofing cities and societies, sustaining progress, and forging a peaceful world for the next generation.

The US and Japan also expressed their full adherence to helping the Philippines advance its efforts to address climate change and further boost its economy to create industries and more jobs for Filipinos.

The diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the
US span 77 years since its formal establishment on July 4, 1946.

The Philippines and Japan celebrated 67 years of normalized relations since July 23, 1956 and strengthened strategic partnership since 2011.

New chapter of cooperation

Meanwhile, think tank Stratbase ADR Institute said Friday that the trilateral summit is a testament to the nations’ commitments to address pressing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

In a statement, Stratbase said the historic summit represents a new chapter in strengthening the enduring bond among these three nations across various areas of cooperation.

“The Stratbase ADR Institute supports the alignment of interests in safeguarding regional stability, upholding international law, and promoting economic security. The Institute welcomes the renewed commitment on maritime security cooperation consistent with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the group said.

It added that the summit is integral for the Philippines as it is confro
nted with increasingly aggressive and coercive actors in the West Philippine Sea.

“This response will be grounded in the principles of mutual respect, cooperation, and adherence to international law. It is through the collective efforts of like-minded partners such as the Philippines, United States, and Japan that regional security can be achieved, economic development can be realized, and the fundamental tenets of the rules-based international order can be upheld,” it concluded.

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. also expressed optimism that the trilateral meeting between the Philippines, Japan, and the US will result in enhanced peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

“I am very hopeful over this historic summit. Ang pagpapatibay ng ating relasyon sa Japan at Amerika, at ang pagtutulungan sa pagitan ng ating mga bansa ay maghahatid ng higit na seguridad, kaayusan, at progreso sa ating rehiyon (Boosting our relations with Japan and US, and cooperation between our countries will bring security, order, and pr
ogress in our region),” Revilla said in a statement.

The lawmaker added that the deepening of ties across various areas of cooperation, along with the US affirming its obligations under its Mutual Defense Treaties with the Philippines and Japan, will result in the country having better economy through ‘clean energy transition, supply chain resilience, and coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects,’ among others.

Source: Philippines News agency

MANILA: The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday it is set to roll out fuel subsidies to farmers and fishers affected by soaring oil prices.

During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the program entails PHP3,000 worth of aid per beneficiary.

“It is a one-time assistance para tumulong dito sa pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina (to help amid the oil price hike). Inaayos lang dito iyong guidelines. Sa mga susunod na araw, ilalabas na rin itong fuel assistance para sa ating mga mangingisda at magsasaka (We’re just polishing the guidelines. In the coming days, we will be releasing the fuel assistance for our farmers and fishers),” De Mesa said.

The DA has allocated nearly PHP1 billion worth of funds to cover eligible beneficiaries nationwide.

“May nakalaan na almost PHP500 million para sa ating mga magsasaka na may-ari ng makinarya. Gayundin PHP500 million para sa ating mga mangingisda (We have allocated almost PHP500 million for our farmers owning machinery. Likew
ise, another PHP500 million for our fishers),” he said.

Among the eligible beneficiaries are farmers with machinery registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors In Agriculture, as well as fishers whose boat tonnage does not exceed 3 metric tons.

Source: Philippines News agency

Ninh Binh: Secretary of the Party Committee of the northern province of Ninh Binh Doan Minh Huan on April 11 received Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh and her spouse, during which the province leader expressed hope to promote tourism with Lao localities.

Highlighting the sound relations between Ninh Binh and Lao localities, he said that stronger friendship and cooperation with Lao localities have become an important motivation for socio-economic development of the localities and benefiting people of the two sides.

Huan hailed the tourism development potential of Laos, expressing his hope that the Lao diplomat will continue supporting Ninh Binh in expanding cooperation with Lao localities in the field.

Particularly, Ninh Binh hopes to connect with Luang Prabang ancient capital of Laos to share experience in preserving and promoting values of heritages, contributing to developing a cross-border heritage urban network, he said.

Huan said that Ninh Binh is building dossiers to seek the title of n
ational historical relic site for Temple Nhoi Hoa Princess of Laos in Thai Son village, Son Lai commune of Nho Quan district. Ninh Binh hopes for assistance from Laos in supplying information of this historical figure, thus completing the dossiers to submit to relevant authorities, contributing to preserving the relic.

On the occasion of Laos’s traditional New Year festival Bunpimay, Huan extended his best wishes to the Lao Ambassador and her spouse.

For her part, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh shared her impression at the strong growth of Ninh Binh.

She highlighted the sound traditional friendship and close bond between Vietnam and Laos, and lauded the partnership between Ninh Binh and some Lao localities, including Oudomxay. She said she believes that Ninh Binh will promote its cooperation with Lao localities to further benefit the people of the two countries.

The Lao diplomat pledged that she will do her best to boost the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos
and Vietnam as well as the relations among Lao and Vietnamese localities.

She vowed that Laos will assist Ninh Binh in expanding cooperation with Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Houaphanh – localities that share many similarities with Ninh Binh, especially in tourism./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

ILOILO: The provincial government on Friday awarded the best implementers of the MoRProGRes (Movement for a Robust Garden, Progressive and Globally competitive and Resilient Province of Iloilo) Gardens program, the brainchild of Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. aimed at creating agri-tourism destinations by blending ornamental gardening, landscaping and high-value crop production.

‘MoRProGRes Gardens is a program for food security and tourism and it is also a climate change response. We wanted to combine ornamental gardening, agriculture, especially high-value crops, and the upcycling and recycling of waste materials so that we can help the environment. For a first time and a first year, we did very well and we have very good results,’ Defensor said in his message during the awarding ceremony at the lobby of the provincial capitol.

Launched in 2023, the contest for the best implementers came in three categories namely local government units consisting of municipality and barangays; academic and technical
institutions for public and elementary and secondary schools, or private colleges and universities, and state universities and colleges; and business sector to include both accredited and non-accredited establishments of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

From 252 registered entries, 32 were selected as finalists and 18 were awarded winners.

First placers received PHP200,000 each, PHP150,000 for second placers, PHP100,000 for third placers, and PHP50,000 for finalists.

For the academic category, the awardees are the Tagbac Elementary School (ES) in Oton, Guimbal Central ES (Buy Local in our Organic Garden of GCES) of Guimbal, and Don Benjamin Jalandoni Sr. Memorial ES (Gulayan sa Don Bee) in Zarraga for elementary level; Agdahon Farm School (AFS Garden of Progress) of Passi City for high school; and Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College (Rainbow Ville) in Balasan and LaGuerta Verde de ISAT University in Leon for the secondary level.

For local government units, the winners are Barangay Nueva Union Community Garden
in Passi City, Barangay Agta Communal Garden in Leon, and Barangay Pagaypay Community Garden also in Passi City for barangay level; and Passi City Sweet Garden, Daga Ecological Solid Waste Management Center in Sta. Barbara, and the Lagwerta de Oton of the town of Oton for the municipal level.

Winners in the business category are the Ephrata Garden in Badiangan, Atiz Integrated Farm in Tigbauan, and Gaja Agri Farm from New Lucena for DOT-accredited; and Garilva Junbee Agri Farm and Leisure Resort in Concepcion, Farmer’s Cafe Garden in Leganes, and D and E Bugana Farm from Calinog for non-DOT accredited.

Defensor said the program will level up to become part of a nutrition program and have it institutionalized to align with the program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on community gardening.

He said municipalities and barangays are encouraged to utilize the produce of MoRProGRes Gardens for their nutrition programs in daycare.

‘That is why right from the very start, we involve t
he barangay because it is better if we could sustain to augment for our feeding in daycare,’ he said.

Source: Philippines News agency